Advent Calender

*JMJ* As all of us Catholics know, it is the First Sunday of Advent. But maybe there is someone visiting my blog who isn't Catholic and is just curious about Advent. Advent begins in the Catholic Church, the fourth Sunday before Christmas. We are waiting for the arrival of baby Jesus to be born as we remember his birth. Since Catholics know that the Lord has already been born, we usually talk about the Lord's second coming and how we are to continually wait for him. And our priest talked about that in his homily today.

"Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping."

-Mk 13:35-36

There a four candles in the Advent wreath. They have one in all parishes and Catholic families like to have one in their homes. The first and the second week, you light a purple candle. On the third week of Advent you light the pink one. I always heard that the pink candle is a short little break you can take if you choose from the Advent season. But you should still say or prayers and go to Mass. And the last week of Advent you light another purple candle. So at this time all four candles will be burning.

We are doing something new this year in my household. Last year after Christmas when everything went on sale, I seen this Advent Calender that I purchased. My son is still young enough to enjoy something like that. So the whole family gathered around and he opened up the first door to see what was inside. Every day he will open up the next door until they are all opened. Pst...I only have the calendar half full. I have to get another 14 trinkets, so I have to go hunting around for stuff for the Advent calender tomorrow. Does anyone have any ideas?

Anyway I took some pictures for you all to see.

A little ornament of the nativity that my son had to hang on our Christmas tree. I thought that that would be a nice thing to put inside the first box. We're starting out the Advent season with the Holy Family. I just thought that that would be fitting. Plus, as you know, I love the Holy Family and I dedicated my blog to them.

I love this little saying around this time of year. I don't know who started it but I'm sure some of you have heard it before. 'Jesus is the reason for the season!' Let's not forget that. Or if you weren't aware of that, ponder that. Because it's so true.

P.S. Don't forget to light your Advent wreath tonight.