Seven Quick Takes: Christ is Coming



1. Christmas is coming soon. Are you ready? It seems like Advent has flown by. I was on a really good schedule of going to Mass daily, praying my Rosary, and going to Confession weekly. I was caught up with my writing, my housework, and working out daily at the gym when all of a sudden I had an accident. I carelessly tripped over the cord to my laptop and landed on my knees on the floor. My system was jolted -- I threw my back out, ended up with bruised knees, neck pain, headaches, and more. It's not something you want to experience at any time, but especially not right before Christmas. I have been in a lot of pain, but have been offering it up. Of course I went to the chiropractor and have been icing myself down, but I believe that God can use my pain to bring souls to Him during this Christmas season. This pain can be used for good purposes. Perhaps he also wants me to slow down, to do less, and pray more. Drawing nearer to him and preparing our hearts for his coming is what he desires. My prayer and my pain which produces interior growth will be my gift to him this Christmas.

2.  This is the time of year we pray the O Antiphons. December 17 marks the beginning of the "O" Antiphonsan ancient part of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day until Christmas Eve. These antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. The Church recalls the variety of the ills of man before the coming of the Redeemer. In the early years of my blogging, I posted about each one individually, but this year I will refer you to an excellent article from the Catholic Education Resource Center written by Father William Saunders which explains all the antiphons.  My friend, Elena, at My Domestic Church, has been doing a wonderful job of posting on each one daily, beginning with a comprehensive post on all of them.

3. I have been praying the nine-day Christmas Novena for a special intention. It's not too late to start.

4. Movies are great anytime, but here are my top ten Christmas favorites (the classics) and my readers include more of their favorites in the comment sections.

5. If you still have people on your gift list, here are some wonderful Catholic Books for Christmas and  Seven Sensational Christmas CD's .

6. On Monday, December 21st, I celebrate the twelve anniversary of Catholic Fire. I can't believe I have been blogging for that long!

7. I will leave you with this beautiful Christmas carol from Celtic Woman. I had the privilege of seeing them in concert a few years ago. Here is a Christmas favorite:



Have a great 4th week of Advent and a very Merry Christmas!

Jean

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain't The Lyceum.


Comments

  1. Love Celtic Woman! Best part of pledge week on PBS. :)

    Thanks for linking up!

    ReplyDelete

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