Today’s gospel from Luke recalls the praises that Mary sings to God for being chosen to bring Good News (literally) into the world.
In the movie, The Nativity Story, there is a small scene where Mary and Joseph ponder how they will know when Jesus “is no longer a child.” They both acknowledge their fears and Joseph wonders if he will be able to teach Jesus anything at all.
What fears do you have this Advent? What ponderings do you carry? What little joys are you looking for?
For over 2,000 years each of us has been presented with the choice to be bearers of Good News, certainly not in the same way Mary was chosen, but none-the-less, each of us are chosen to bring God to others.
As we near the end of our preparations to receive, again, the Christ Child, may we ask God to “Open our lives and help us to live in God’s love, so that we can bring Good News…bring God to others, especially those closest to us.
-Tom Primmer, Director of Faith Formation
Here’s are some activity ideas from our Faith Formation Team:
Ways to TAKE TIME & REST as a family this week
Choose one (or two) a day as we enter into the final days before Christmas
Take 2-3 minutes each day to pray together (Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, etc.—keep it simple!)
Prepare a meal together (one pot meals are a great idea!)
Take a family nap
Decorate Christmas Cookies together
Drive around & look at lights
Make a (store kit) gingerbread house
Help with Christmas prep
Listen to carols and sing along
Go to bed on time /sleep in
Play board games together
Watch a Christmas show/movie as a family
Play a video/app game together
Read a Christmas story book as a family
Have a no-tech day/night
Order delivery or take-out. Kids clean up.