Advent Anew Week 4

“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.”

LIGHTTHE FINALPURPLE CANDLEON THEADVENT WREATH.

Entering into the homestretch of the Advent season, the to-do lists increase, and time slips away. The cyclical nature of the liturgical year for Christians reminds one of eternity and that God is outside of time. Jesus came once to save the world from sin and death: He became flesh for all people, for all time. Rest in the certainty and serenity of that truth: God became man for each one of us.

“FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MIGHT NOT PERISH BUT MIGHT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.”

SAINT JOSEPH

Only two of the four evangelists describe the virtuous earthly father of Jesus, St. Joseph. Luke’s Gospel mentions that Mary is betrothed to Joseph. In Matthew’s Gospel, Gabriel’s words to Joseph point to confidence and trust in God’s plan: “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” (Mt. 1:20).

God grants both Joseph and Mary peace. Peace, “Not as the world gives” ( Jn. 14:27), but the peace of Christ Jesus. May the peace of Christ guard our hearts this Christmas and into the New Year.

POMANDER BALLS

Pomander balls are a simple enough craft for a child to make and a fun, fragrant way to spruce up holiday decor. Scents of clove and orange awaken the aromas of the season and make great centerpieces, gifts and ornaments. All that is needed are firm oranges and whole cloves. Be creative with the design and placement of the cloves as you pierce them into the orange. As it dries, the orange will release a delightful fragrance.

To display or hang, insert a long, thin wire through the orange and make a knot at the button. Add a red ribbon around the pomander for a polished look.

Holly and ivy, widely known from the popular carol, are powerful symbols for Christians. The thorny leaves of holly boughs point to the crown of thorns that adorned Christ’s head during His passion and death. The evergreen ivy is a metaphor for eternal life with God in heaven.

GINGER-MOLASSES GRANOLA

This recipe makes an easy, seasonal gift for friends, family and neighbors to enjoy. Pour into a mason jar and tie with a ribbon and sprig of holly.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup finely shredded unsweetened dried coconut

½ cup pumpkin seeds

½ cup pecans or nuts of choice

½ cup raisins or chopped dried fruit

PREPARATION

2 tsps. ground ginger

2 tsps. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. fine sea salt

1/3 cup virgin coconut or olive oil

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 275° F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the oats, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, raisins or dried fruit, ginger, cinnamon and salt.

3. In a small microwaveable bowl, stir together the coconut oil, honey, and molasses and microwave on low until slightly melted. Or melt in a small saucepan over low heat. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined.

4. Spread out in a thick layer on the baking sheet. Bake, gently stirring every 15 minutes, until lightly browned, 45 minutes. Granola will still be moist at the end of baking, but will morph into crunchy goodness once it cools completely.

5. Store in a glass jar with a lid at room temperature. Granola will stay fresh for several weeks and likely be devoured long before expiring.

“NOEL”

J.R.R. TOLKIEN

Grim was the world and grey last night: The moon and stars were fled, The hall was dark without song or light, The fires were fallen dead. The wind in the trees was like to the sea, And over the mountains’ teeth It whistled bitter-cold and free, As a sword leapt from its sheath.

The lord of snows upreared his head; His mantle long and pale Upon the bitter blast was spread And hung o’er hill and dale. The world was blind, the boughs were bent, All ways and paths were wild: Then the veil of cloud apart was rent, And here was born a Child.

The ancient dome of heaven sheer Was pricked with distant light; A star came shining white and clear Alone above the night. In the dark of dale in that hour of birth One voice on a sudden sang: Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth Together at midnight rang.

Mary sang in this world below: They heard her song arise O’er mist and over mountain snow To the walls of Paradise, And the tongue of many bells was stirred in Heaven’s towers to ring When the voice of mortal maid was heard, That was mother of Heaven’s King.

Glad is the world and fair this night With stars about its head, And the hall is filled with laughter and light, And fires are burning red. The bells of Paradise now ring With bells of Christendom, And Gloria, Gloria we will sing That God on earth is come.

This epic Christmas poem written by the faithful Catholic and literary mastermind Tolkien was

when scholars uncovered it while searching for another

found “Noel” in a 1936 collection

unknown until 2016

lost poem. Scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull

published by Our Lady’s School in Abingdon, near Oxford where Tolkien taught.

“Once in our world, a Stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.”

C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!

Jesus, Lord, at thy birth!

First performed in Austria in 1818, “Stille Nacht” was composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and lyrics were written by Joseph Mohr. English translation by John Freedman Young.

“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10-12

Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol

THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD CHRISTMAS DAY

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”