Rosary Religious Inspirational Gifts

What Communion Dresses Represent

2009-12-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

First communion dresses for girls are a wonderful way to celebrate the importance of this very special time in the life of a Catholic. This very holy occasion is when the person first receives the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the bread and the wine that represent the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. Often times it is celebrated by inviting extended family to share in the occasion, often celebrated with a large feast and even small gifts.

First communion dresses come in many different styles. Sometimes a veil and gloves are also worn. Most of the dresses are white, symbolizing purity. It is said the veil is worn to represent Jesus' robes worn at the last supper and the veil is likened to the tablecloth. These beautiful dresses can be made of any number of materials, including fine silk and satin. They can be adorned with ribbons and tulle, or heavily embellished with pearls and even crystal beads. The dresses can be found in department stores, or online.

Many first communion dresses have become treasured family heirlooms. Handed down through the generations, along with the pictures and stories of each of the girls who have worn the dress before them. This is such a special day for the child as they have prepared themselves by giving their first confession and have spent many hours studying for their first communion.

Church Nativity Sets Help Remind Us of His Birth

2009-12-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

St. Francis of Assisi introduced us to a wonderful depiction of the birth of Jesus in 1223 A.D. He had the baby Jesus in a manger inside a cave, along with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, animals and the three wise men bearing gifts. This has become the traditional nativity scene as we know it. Many of the modern-day church nativity sets are recreated much in the way St. Francis did so many years ago.

A church nativity set can be depicted in various ways. There is, of course, the live scene, complete with real people and animals, the colorful murals adorning walls, or beautifully crafted stained glass allowing the changing light to tell the story. There are small nativity scenes intended to be played with by children, and some that are passed on from generation to generation becoming family heirlooms.

Church nativity sets are usually displayed in front of the church so all that pass by can be reminded of Christ’s birth. Although the scene is the same no matter where you go, there are vast differences in the materials they are made of. They can be made of white resin, resembling marble, painted poly resin, LED lighted sets or a more contemporary style with the nativity figures appearing as though they were growing out of live wood.

Many sets have figures that are sold separately. This can come in handy in the event that a piece may be dropped or broken when setting up and taking down for the season.

Ceramic Advent Wreaths Anticipate Christs Birth

2009-12-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

The four weeks leading up to Christmas represent Advent. This is the time of year that the Christians celebrate the anticipation of Christs birth. A ceramic advent wreath is a wonderful way to celebrate the advent season. The wreaths traditionally consist of the base and 4 candles. There are three purple candles and one pink. The purple color symbolizes royalty and penance, this is used for the first, second and fourth candle. The third candle, which represents joy is colored pink. The wreaths were once made of evergreen branches tied in the shape of a wreath, representing life in the middle of winter.

A popular ceramic advent wreath design is a shallow circular well that can hold water for you to have fresh flowers and greenery all through the advent season. There are also designs such as a bridge made up of the nativity figures, and porcelain nativity figures that are placed together to form a wreath.

One advantage to having a ceramic advent wreath is its resistance to fire. There is no need to worry about burning a fresh bough should a child like to help light the candles. Pewter and Celtic advent wreaths are also flame retardant. Aside from the practicality of a wreath you can use year after year is the family treasure that will be handed down through the generations.

The History of Christmas Ornaments

2009-12-08T12:43:00.000-08:00

Since the introduction of the Christmas tree into homes, the history of Christmas ornaments have been ever changing. Trees were once decorated with whatever the homeowner had on hand. They would use anything from nuts and berries to popcorn pieces strung together. Over the years baked goods were cut into various shapes and sizes and hung on the tree.

The history of Christmas ornaments took a drastic turn in the mid 1800’s as Germany’s glass blowing tradition became widely known. These beautiful glass ornaments were shaped into stars, hearts, bells. As the ornaments became more popular, more shapes were eventually added. By the mid 1880’s, the popularity of these glass ornaments had spread and they were being exported the world over.

Another major change in the history of Christmas ornaments was with the Victorian era. The people of Great Britain, as well as the Americans were inspired to put Christmas trees in their homes after a popular magazine published a picture of Queen Victoria and her family with a beautifully decorated tree. This brought about a change in decorating ideas and trees were now being adorned with pictures of flowers and angels as well as pressed tin. It was during this era that the Germans also introduced tinsel, which was also called angels hair.

As time passed, the U.S. began dominating the mass production of Christmas ornaments. You can find ornaments from many countries around the globe, and the styles are only limited by ones imagination.

Garden statues add beauty to your yard

2009-12-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Many people use garden statues to beautify their yards. Driving through a neighborhood you may see garden gnomes or large statues. Many of these statues are copies of original works of things like Winged Victory or Venus de Milo or works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Auguste Rodin, and Canova.

Often Religious garden statues, although primarily Catholic, are seen through yards and prayer gardens. Depending on the homeowners background you may also see a Budda or A Hindu prayer garden as well. Some times homeowners also stick these statues in bushes or flowerbed and some are not always human. Sometimes you will see small animals throughout a property. All of this helps the homeowner beautify his yard as well as have an outward expression of who he is or his faith.

Garden statues for some are a hobby. For others, they are an outward expression and for some they are used to beautify and complement their landscaping of their home or office. These works of art, made of resin, marble, stone and even cement add character to where ever they are placed.

The Jesse Tree and Advent

2009-11-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

The Jesse Tree Ornaments, in addition to the advent wreath, is one of the long lasting symbols of Advent. Named for Joseph's father Jesse, the Jesse Tree is often considered Jesus' Family tree. It also predates a Christmas tree and at times is often confused with it.

Purpose of a Jesse Tree Ornaments is to place them on a bare tree that are consistent with the stories of the old testament that tell of Jesus coming. There is one bible story assigned for each day of advent recalling an event. Families often use the Jesse tree to help their children learn salvation history.

Other than ornaments, the Jesse Tree Advent wreath is used in more modern time. It is a compact version of the tree that used to be used. Around the advent wreath's base is a representation of each of these old testament bible events.

Other applications on the Jesse Tree is for families to make ornaments consistent with the bible stories.

Here is a list of what should be remembered on the Jesse Tree or its Advent wreath counterpart.

· December 1st Jesse

· December 2nd Creation

· December 3rd The sins of Adam and Eve

· December 4th Noah and his Ark

· December 5th Abraham

· December 6th Sarah

· December 7th Isaac

· December 8th Jacob

· December 9th Joseph

· December 10th Moses

· December 11th Rehab

· December 12th Ruth

· December 13th Samuel and David

· December 14th David

· December 15th Prophets

· December 16th Jonah

· December 17th Elijah

· December 18th Esther

· December 19th Solomon

· December 20th Samuel

· December 21st John the Baptist

· December 22nd Mary

· December 23rd Joseph

· December 24th Mary

· December 25th Jesus

· December 26th The Holy Family

· December 27th Journey to Egypt

LED Advent Candles Give Modern Spin To Antient Custom

2009-11-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

LED Advent Candles may sound odd. After all the season of Advent is one of tradition and custom, while LED Candle technology is still in its infancy. So when you blend the old with the new, the LED Advent Candle makes perfect sense as way to enhance advent wreath safety.

The LED Advent candle makes a perfect replacement advent candle. Advent is often a season where family, many of which have small children gather around the advent wreath to hear old testament stories about the coming of Jesus, the prophecy of the Messiah. They gather each day to light the candle for each week of advent that has past. Each candle marks the weeks until Christmas day when Jesus was born.

The beauty of an LED candle is its ability to mimic a real candle. The light are often run by a small computer that sequentially flickers the candle to give it a real appearance. These type candles have grown in popularity for home decor items as well because of how real the appearance of their flame is, giving rooms immediate ambiance

The benefit of safety makes the LED Advent candle something all families with small children need. They are reusable, which saves money on other replacement advent candles and the added safety you get from them cannot have a dollar amount placed on them. The past hesitancy of using an electric candle is addressed by the use of this great solution.

Advent Wreath And Calendars Have Deep German Roots

2009-10-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

The advent wreath has an almost mysterious background because its origins cannot be pinpointed. In almost all accounts Germany seems to have played a large part in its genesis. It would seem no matter how unusual this seems German seems to be the first countries to formalize the use of that advent wreath.

Maybe more than the advent wreath, the advent calendar is even more associated with Germany. The premise of an advent calendar is that each day the child will open a door or a slot and reveal candy or a Bible story. This is often the first gift the child will receive. It was an inventive way to count down to Christmas as well as review the Old Testament. Advent will always start as the first Sunday after November 26th and this practice was also attributed to the Germans.

Some parents hang the Advent Calendar in the child room to help counter the commercialism of Christmas. Some advent rituals are done during dinner time like the lighting of the Advent wreath. And some are done at bedtime like the opening of the Advent calendar.

Looking at all of Germany and Advent, historically they not only invented the advent calendar but they made the best in the world. From the 1850s forward, they were well known for them. Nazi Germany, although early on used the advent calendar and even distributed it in the newspaper, did outlaw them causing them to die out and not reemerge until recently in their more commercial form.

Despite governmental restrictions, the advent wreath and the advent calendar will always be deeply rooted in Germany.

Advent Paves way to Christmas

2009-10-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

Christmas is one of the the season of the the church that outshines all other shines the other seasons with its opulence and majesty. Gaining also with its materialism in the secular world it is hard to not lose site of its ultimate meaning. Enter Advent, the season the church sets aside to help prepare the way for Christ as well as not lose sight of him.

The earliest Advent celebrations can be linked to the the early church right after the 4th century. Advent was not designed originally to combat 20th century secularism and materialism. It was started to help prepare a way for Christ. Advent means 'coming' and is perfect because Christ is coming. It also is now the start of the Catholic Churchs calendar year which makes it perfected because it starts the upcoming year.

This also can be a period of self examination and penance and it has become one of the times of the year that forgiveness is front and center. Similar to what you would do when a house guest is coming, cleaning out the bad and preparing for them, this period functions the same way.

There is also the aide of the Advent wreath that symbolically reminds us of God's Endless Mercy as well as the light, reminding us of Christ's light. Through the centuries, people have decorated their advent wreath with ivy, that adds a reminder for our human spirit; cedar is sometimes used as the branches that make the wreath to remind us of our eternal life. and Holly, a common theme in a modern day advent wreath is there to remind us of the crown of thorns and what Christ would ultimately suffer for us. Bay is also used to remind us of Christ's triumph over sin.

2009-10-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

The advent wreath has really evolved in this modern day. It went from a circle of evergreen to now some are made of pewter, resin and even sometimes silver or brass. Through it all the symbol of forever, and endless circle is still present in the modern advent wreath.

Additionally there are now sometimes as many as five candles mounted on the advent wreath. But as we start in darkness as each week progresses and we get closer to the birth of Christ the number of candles lit become more making it brighter and bringing us out of our darkness, making this one of symbolic seasons of the liturgical year.

For a homemade advent wreath the advent candles were wired in to the wreath so the can be lit nightly as part of the advent ceremony. In addition to making our path brighter the light from the candles are representative of Christ who is of course the light of the world. The origins of the advent wreath was a wheel of light that was in the pagan tradition and would help light the ultra long winter nights.

There are 3 different candle colors, pink, purple or white. The basic premise is there is purple for penance, the pink for the joy and white which is the Christ candle.
The first week, Purple, is about the Old Testament and its prophets, calling to mind that Isaiah foretold the coming of Christ.

The second week is also purple and is often called the Bethlehem candle and is about love and penance. The third candle is transitional and joyful and Pink and we start to look forward. And, the fourth candle is again purple but represents peace.

Advent keeps the focus on Christmas

2009-10-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well Advent is right around the corner and that means so is Christmas but Advent is a great way to help families keep focused on Christmas and what the true meaning of the season is.

The advent wreath keeps the focus on the stories that helped lead up to the birth of Jesus. Starting in the 6th Century, Advent began being the season of preparation for Christmas. Although originally Advent was not about Christmas and staying focused, it has developed into a very structured recap of the old Testament. The round circle that is the advent wreath is a circle that represents Gods mercy and love.

The four advent candles represent and mark a week of the month that forms the Advent season. The simple act of lighting an advent wreath and its candles help family members refocus their attention to the story of Jesus and away from the commercial aspects that will be Christmas.

One last observance can be added to the family advent celebration. The setting up of a Nativity Set allows for the family to recall the events of Jesus' birth and the circumstances he was born into. It is again a great way to shift the focus back to Jesus.

Jesse Tree and Avent

2009-06-01T08:50:00.001-07:00

The Jesse tree advent wreath symbolizes the coming of Jesus Christ, the king of the kings and descendent of Jesse, father of King David. This is very well described in the first verse of eleventh chapter of Isaiah. " A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

The Jesse Tree is appropriate symbol of Jesus Christ, who is revelation of the grace and faithfulness of the God. After God saved the descendents of Abraham from oppressive rule of the Egyptians and delivered them to good land, they forgot the God who saved them. After passing away of David, the later kings and religious kings served their own selfish interests and started worshipping false gods of the land.

St. Francis Leads Garden Statues.

2009-04-23T09:51:00.001-07:00

Saint Francis leads the saints when you look around your neighbors yards. It makes sense because he is one of the most popular catholic saints and frequently found on a catholic saint medal and found in yard art.

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and frequently found with animals surrounding him in statuary. He is often part of bird feeders and bird baths as well.

Another common depiction of St. Francis is the garden bench. It makes a great add on for a prayer garden as well.

We are Part of the Better Business Bureau

2008-11-10T21:23:00.001-08:00

I'm pleased to announce that we are now members of the BBB to let our shoppers know that we are here to do the best we can for them. We feel that this is an important step for our company and something that will benefit our shopper. To date we also have our Hacker Safe participation that lets our shoppers know that their info is safe here with us.

Customer safety and reassurance is important goals for us. We view our company as a vehicle to others. We often share with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and that helps so many people unlike charities like the Red Cross. The St. Vincent DePaul Society works with in our communities to help our neighbors with all types of financial as well as providing a strong emotional foundation.

We hope each of our customers enjoys their experience here with us and in the end we try to do the best thing we possible can for each of our customers.

Nativity and Advent Complement Each Other

2008-11-10T21:15:00.001-08:00

Nativities scenes are one of the most recognizable symbols of Christmas. As November opens the signs of the season start showing up with maybe the most visible are the nativity sets and outlines the manager scenes that are the backdrop to the Christmas story, the story of the birth of Christ.

It is a tradition that as Advent starts not only do you use your advent wreath, but the Nativity scene is incorporated into the family. The nativity scene is set up with familiar farm scene, the holy family the empty manger, and the missing Magi . During the first week of advent often there is a discussion in churches and families about the empty manager and how that ties to the preparatory season of Advent where we as Christians and Catholics should be preparing are hearts to act as that manager. Often families add straw to the manager for each deed they do though the day. This is a great way to teach children what the season of advent means and how it relates to them. As children and adults remember to use the four weeks of Advent to prepare for the arrival of Jesus, their heart, will grow softer, making a much softer place for Jesus, just as extra hay in the manger makes an softer bed for Christ.

There are many similarities of the symbol of the empty manger and the advent wreath. They are both an outward expression of preparing the way for Christ. The empty Nativity scene does serve as a reminder of the coming of Christ. The Advent wreath walks us through our salvation, God's promises and the penitential nature. As we walk our Advent journey each year these symbols remind us of salvation and the promise of things to come.

The Nativity has a long history and a perfect complement to the Season of advent that runs all the way though the arrival of the Wiseman. Children can relate to the Nativity scene and preparing a way for our Lord on Christmas day. It is a great way to help children learn and add to the Christmas traditions families observe. The use of the Nativity and the Advent wreath has been in use for centuries.

Hurricane helps foster Faith

2008-10-24T18:05:00.001-07:00

Well I am finally caught up from our problems from Hurricane Ike. As many of you know The Hurricane hit the Houston area on 9/13 causing vast damage thoughout the Houston Metro area. What was interesting is that as I talked to many of you, most did not realize how hard we were hit and how bad it was down here.

Because of how independent and understanding of the concept of helping your neighbor, the national media quickly lost interest in us. We took care of our own. We looked after our own and that makes for a very boring story I guess.

As the hurricane came and went, it left behind a 70 ft Oak on the roof of my home. As I surveyed the damage to my home that morning, I felt truly privileged because I could actually see the hand of God reaching out to protect us. This very small oak caught the might one leaving in inches from smashing fully into my house which would for sure crushed the upper level and possibly fell to the bottom floor where me and my four dogs were riding out the storm. But this experience wasn't the only reminder I had of God's presence in my life and how truly blessed I am.

The Monday before the storm hit, someone randomly said you do have a generator right? Well infact I did not have one but my first thought was if someone asked me that question, God was trying to tell me something and if I didn't need one I wouldn't find one. I've learned that God speaks to us every day we just have to learn to listen. Or at times accept his answer. So I got on Google looked around for what a generator should cost so I knew what I was looking for and had an expectation. So off to Home Depot I went.

When I got there, I was nicely told they didn't have any because they all had all been shipped to Louisiana. From behind the registered this little kid pokes a head out and says someone had just returned one 10 minutes prior to me getting there and to go speak to customer service. So I get to the customer service desk and there was the generator, but as the clerk explained it was already sold but she was just waiting for the lady to come and pay for it. So we stood there chatting a bit and after about 20 minutes the clerk called to the front desk only to find the woman had left to ask her husband. Now remember how I was saying that I had an idea in my head of what I was suppose to pay for this generator. This one was $400 more than what I thought. But as I stood there I really felt lead to the spot where I was. It was a real God moment because I had to be in the exact time and place to get this unit. So I took it home.

As it turned out this generator was big enough to power 2 hours for the 2 weeks we were without power. It helped with a nebulizer for my neighbors asthmatic son, to refrigerate formula for a baby. And a fan, TV and fridge for my other neighbors across the street. And once the lights came one for me. My parents were still struggling also with their generator so mine moved to help them as well.

What else was amazing was all the people that say as I do, we have been blessed. This hurricane bought out the best in people, the best in our neighbors. When Congressman Culberson was on the radio saying the first responders had no food and water. Restaurant and citizens chipped in to get them hot meals. All over the city the goodness of people was a shining example to what the hand of God can do when we listen to him and act as he would want.

The Soul Longs for God

2008-09-05T22:04:00.001-07:00

When you look at the first chapter of the Unites States Catechism for adults, you see that it starts where the quest for the human spirit starts, the longing meaning and for a higher Being, for Christians that's God and Jesus.

What are the questions that people often ask themselves about their. There is a human desire to life the most full life but only in God do we find full truth and happiness. As we were all created in God's image, this gives us mind to search for God. Searching to educate yourself in your faith is often called a journey, but a journey toward what. Ultimately it is a journey that leads to knowing God the father. It's a journey to know God though his Son, Jesus Christ and though the power of the Holy Spirit.

There are basic questions all humans ask. They are logically who am I?, Why am I here? What are my Goals? Why is it hard to Love? Why is there sickness, death and evil? In that vein what is suffering? Why is there evil, death and sickness? And mostly what happens after we die. These questions ultimately move a person to looking for the divine. These questions move each person towards the conclusion of God's existence.

The quest for education and reading the United States Catechism helps foster that search for God. It becomes and invitation to join in the journey. It is a journey within the church and journey to becoming part of the Body of Christ. In doing this you become a member of the living community of believers that implement their beliefs to make lives better and to honor the dignity of human life. Living that belief states with the quest to understand God and how he exists in our life

Undeniably there is a universal desire for God according to the CCC (27)., "the desire for God is written in the human heart because man is created by God and For God.

Because God put a mark on every human heart there is a hunger and longing for God. According to St. Augustine, on of the doctors of the church, "Our heart is restless until it rests in You." The You of course refers to God.

According to the Catechism there are three ways that God can make himself known to us, Creation, Revelation, the human person themselves. The most essential of the paths is Revelation.

Blending the Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath

2008-08-27T18:49:00.001-07:00

The Jesse Tree and Advent wreath are two very common items Christians have used to mark four week period before Christmas called Advent or the six period that was known as Celtic Advent. In the modern time Advent has become a great way to stay focused on Christ and helping families overcome the commercial hurdles that Christmas represent.

The Jesse Tree is an older customer that was the precursor to the Christmas tree. It includes the creating of ornaments that represent events in the salvation story and within Jesus' family Tree. The focus of the Jesse tree is based in the Old Testament and process though Genesis and ends with the Gospel of John, on the Birth of Christ (John 1:1-18) on Christmas day.

The Celebration of Advent uses the Advent wreath and the family lights the candles each night at their table. They light one Advent candle the first week, two advent candles the second weeks, three the third week and of course all four advent candles get lit for the last week. There are prayers that can be used but also the stories that go with the Jesse Tree are also great readings to be read as the candles are lit and to be discussed as each family has dinner.

From the Creation Story to the Christ himself the biblical figures lead us though our salvation history and a great way for families to reflect on these events each year. The Jesse Tree and Advent Wreath have prefect relationship help us stay rooted in the real meaning of Christmas

Advent Wreath Safety

2008-08-18T20:35:00.001-07:00

The advent wreath is one of those items that help decorate the home for Christmas. It also helps with families by getting them ready and keeping them focused on the coming of Christ. But the advent wreath is something that should be considered for some dangers for children and pets alike.

Hazards for children include choking hazards like small berries that adorn an advent wreath. Also, the material of the wreath in many cases is not made to be put in the mouth. These are just a few items to consider when you put out the advent wreath for your family when there are small children in the house.

Pets also bring special challenges to an advent wreath. It is mostly seen in issues when real evergreen garland is used to make the base of the advent wreath. Usually people use wire which can cut gums if chewed on. Or, the needles themselves as they try get very sharp and can when ingested cause tears or punctures in the intestinal lining of the animal. These holes can cause internal bleeding. Additionally, many animals have an allergic reactions to the needles.

Additionally many fake advent wreaths have artificial berries making it again a choking hazard for the animal as well as a possible cause of an intestinal blockage. However, far worse is the 'real' counterparts. Most typed of Holly and Holly Berries are toxic if swallowed. It also is not advisable to put any type of mistletoe on the wreath but cause that too is toxic to pets. And although not directly related to the advent wreath, poinsettias are massively poisonous to dogs and cats. Never mount a poinsettia flower to your advent wreath.

Last by not least with children and animals, it is always advisable not have candles burning. Tapers are very easy to knock over and should always be watched. Battery operated candles are always a good alternative to a real candle small children or animals are present. Another alternative is a small cloth advent wreath. Its is also a wonderful item to help keep children grounded and they can have it safely in their rooms and not have any hazards.

Catholic Have Moral Choices to Make in Upcoming Election

2008-08-11T22:49:00.001-07:00

I'm posting a link here in hopes it will help some who may be undecided in the Presidential election. As Catholics, we have a responsibility to pick the proper candidate for President. Our obligation to the unborn confounds me how we as Catholics could ever vote for a pro choice candidate. Oddly the bluest states, NY and NJ are also some of the most catholic states.

Its worth the read: http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27992

Celtic Advent Blends Many Early Cultures

2008-08-11T20:22:00.001-07:00

Celtic Advent in the pre Nicene church, early Christianity that pre-dates the Nicene Creed, the roadmap of what Christians, Catholic and Protestants believe. was very different than what we celebrate in the modern time. First Celtic Christianity participated and flourished in this period right up though the middle ages and had its own unique way of celebrating the season of Celtic Advent.

To find the roots of Celtic Advent one must look at the early periods of advent have roots back to the Gauls and their Monks who seems to fashion the period to mimic advent. They did not have a Celtic advent wreath but started the period of fasting on Nov 15^th. This season kicked off with a Mass. This was defined as a period of fasting for 40 days and atonement. It was a reflective period that many who were preparing for baptism would use this for purification. The period of time is still observed throughout the eastern orthodox faiths. And in the Roman Catholic Church this period of purification and enlightenment was moved to lent and still observed within the present time as part of the RCIA program that does use the tenants of the early church to bring people into the church. This was restructured this way after Vatican II.

In the 4^th century, Advent, mimicking Lent seems to start to change a bit. Although it still was penitential in nature and was still a fasting period, it also started to become a period of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. This tradition still is with us to this day. As we move though the present season of Advent, we use our advent wreath, we mark our salvation history. We then look to preparing for the Christ Child and then on to Christs second coming. We still have a dedication to prayer and penance in the present church.

Celtic Advent is truly a blending of the two societies and the date of Nov 15-Christmas Eve was a perfect way to add pray and penance and atonement long before Christmas or the commercialism we face in the present day. .

Advent Candles Represent More than Light

2008-08-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

The candles that make up the advent wreath hold a special symbolism. In their color, their composition and just the sheer act of lighting the candle of advent wreath breaths a air of hope into each of the nights that make up the season of Advent.

The first week, a purple candle of Advent the candle is named the Prophecy Candle. The first week of Advent focuses on the prophecies of the Old Testament that speaks of the Savior, Jesus. The Old Testament lays out our salvations

The second week of Advent's Candle, Purple in color, is called the Bethlehem Candle. This candles got its name because of the period of preparation for the coming of Jesus. Thematically preparation is the key. Just as John the Baptist prepared a way for Jesus, Mary Joseph also had a place prepared for them by God in Bethlehem so that the birth of Jesus was a fulfillment of the scripture that was previously prophesized, tying the event to actually the first Advent Candle lit. The prophecy of Bethlehem's involvement in the birth of Jesus was prophesized in Micah 5:2-5, which names Bethlehem by name.

The third week of advent has the Shepherds Candle. This candle deviates from the 2 previous purple this one is rose colored to represent the joy of being half the way though the Advent Season. This candle received its name because of the Shepherds who came to find the tiny King and received great joy in coming to the Lord. Just as in present times when we find the Lord.

The final weeks of advent has the Angels Candle lighting the way. The Angel candle got its name because of because it was of course the angels that announced the birth of Christ. This candle also serves to remind us of God's infinite love. And the gift of his only Son that he gave us.

Celtic Cross and the Advent Wreath

2008-07-28T12:00:00.001-07:00

The advent wreath thought to have originated in Germany and Scandinavia has have deep roots into the early days of Christianity. Often made of evergreen and using candles to add light to the long winters the advent wreath has become a staple in Christian homes.

Often the advent wreath is cut from pewter, brass, or other base metals and has words and design cut into them that more customizes the wreath to the homeowner or the parish. One of the most popular designs is the Celtic Cross Advent Wreath. There has been a surge in popularity of Celtic themed items where as it allows the heritage of the Irish people to come forth in their homes.

The Celtic Cross has the makings of a cross with a circle in the outline of the background of the cross. The cross has come into the fold of Christianity despite its roots that reach back to 5000 BC and believe to be a solar cross and dedicated to the God of Sun Taranis

It is believe that the Celtic people used these crosses and when the converted to Christianity the Celtic Cross came with them into the fold. The Celtic Cross is Very often associated with the Celtic or Irish Christians Church. When one sees the Celtic Cross the automatic thought is of the Irish tradition. There are some legends that attribute the introduction of the Celtic Cross to St. Columba, who was born in Northern Ireland in 521. Although some attribute the introduction of the Celtic cross to St. Patrick as well.

Advent Wreath Packed with Symbols

2008-07-26T19:17:00.001-07:00

The symbolism of an Advent Wreaths are the evergreen as it is a perfect symbol to of everlasting life. Holly is often on the advent wreath. The sharp leaves remind us of the crown of thorns. In England it was once believed the cross was made of Holy. Laurel is another item that can be seen on an advent wreath and it signifies victory. The Victory it signals is over persecution or suffering. Of course a circle has no beginning and no end and that is what God is. He has no beginning or end, In addition Christ is the path to everlasting life. Pinecones and other seed sac items are often used to represent life, where as they items are the seeds of life. When you combine the wreath and meditate on its symbolism in its totality, you my see that this wreath helps remind us of the everlasting life are promised by Christ.

The advent candles also have much symbolism. There are 4 candles to start representing the 4 weeks of advent. Lore says the reason 4 weeks was selected was that each candle represents 1,000 years. The cumulative 4,000 is to represent the years from Adam to Christ came into the world as a baby. The three purple candles are to remind us of the penance prayer and the season of preparing room for Jesus in our hearts. The 3^rd Sunday is represented by a pink or rose candle and all the vestments and decor of the church changes to the rose color. This is a celebration of the faithful and signals the half way point of Advent. The symbolism of the advent candle lighting in its totality is a way to show commemorate the first coming of Christ and to show we are also hopeful for the second coming.

Again calling to mind the significance of the light and Christ's light in the world, the Advent wreath is one item that in any more should call to mind many aspects of the belief in Christ and help keep families grounded during the secular celebration of Christmas.

The Advent Calendar

2008-07-25T21:56:00.001-07:00

There are several different manifestations of Calendars these days to help count down the days of Advent and help each family that faithfully observes Advent as a daily celebration.

The first Advent Calendar on record has the year 1851 on it and was handmade. The first ones, dating back to the 19^th century came from Protestant religious, probably Lutheran, and were as simplistic as chalk lines drawn for each day of December.

The candle was also instrumental in the early advent calendars. They were 24 candles mounted in the wreath where as today we use 4. The story of the wreath was that it also helped light the longest winter nights in Germany, where the wreath concept was believed to start. The 24 candles light the night. And function as a calendar for Advent as well. As the nights get longer, the more candles are light. Other early Advent Calendars included the use of pictures being placed on the wall or chalk on the door until Christmas.

In a secular world that we now live, the the thought of how the first advent calendar was distributed might seem a bit alien. In 1904 one of the first printed advent calendar was in printed and inserted into German newspapers as a gift to their loyal readers. There does seem to be some disagreement however where some says that Gerhard Lang published the first one in 1908.

The first German Advent Calendar, also known as a Christmas Calendar or Munich Christmas Calendar was the first to have the little doors that are common in the modern Advent Calendars were given as children or taught with in Catholic School. The original calendars did have little Christmas themed pictures but the Sankt Johannis Printing company was credited with putting the corresponding bible verse behind the little doors.

These calendars now are a great way to keep children focused on the season of Advent, the meaning of Christmas and how it relates to Christ and not the mall.