Start Your Journey Today "But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God,

which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." 1 Timothy 3:15

I grew up Baptist and fondly remember as a child scurrying to the back of the sanctuary for left over crackers and grape juice after we had communion. It was a special occasion so it was not something we did very often. But us kids loved it. I had many Catholic friends. We never talked about religion. We were usually too busy playing baseball or swimming. As I grew older and started asking various questions, adults in my life told many things about the Catholic Faith. They worshiped idols. They worshiped Mary. They worshiped the Pope. They were a cult. These, and a few others, were the standard explanations when it came to questions about Catholics. As I look back, I realize most of it was due to ignorance and fear. I certainly hope it was not malicious. Growing up Protestant, especially in the south, was really the only option of which I was ever aware. I didn't go to Church for a long period of time after I turned 17. I guess that is common these days. But even though I drifted away, God chose to touch my heart, open my eyes, and lead me to the Catholic Faith. I had visited various Churches over the years for funerals and weddings, and I did notice the "spirit" that captured some people. It was not until I was touched directly and distinctly by God at a Catholic funeral that I became aware of His presence, His call, His Church. It was not a "feel good" experience. It was a distinctive "wake up" call that only God can offer you. It is impossible to explain or share this experience on a web site, but my heart burns with the desire to share the truth the best I possibly can. I have never known anything so clearly in my life. One of the most difficult obstacles I have had to overcome in my faith journey is the spirit of independence. This is a wonderful country built on that wonderful spirit. But, unfortunately, it is that very spirit that often separates us from a true relationship with Christ for two simple reasons: 1. We bristle at anyone who expects us to be obedient. 2. We find it very difficult to be humble. So, most of us find a church that makes us feel good. Lets us worship God in "our" way. In other words, we don't want to bear a cross. We don't want to feel guilty. We want it "our" way, which of course is not necessarily" God's" way. We want to storm the gates of heaven. Write our own ticket...... Sounds like WE are playing God and setting the standards. Hmm......... No - I'm not comfortable with everything about the Catholic Faith. But absolute truth will cause discomfort to any honest person. It means I must accept just how truly short I am of the glory of God and acknowledge how much I depend on the mercy of Christ.

No - I don't like a lot of things that go on in the Catholic Church, but I know it was started by Jesus and he will forgive me just as I forgive the shortcomings of men. The Faithis pure. No - I don't believe that people ignorant of the Catholic Faith and the Church founded by Christ are lost, but I am certain I would be lost outside the Catholic Church because it would require me to deny the very body and blood of Christ. No - I don't believe people hate the Catholic Church. I believe they hate what they mistakenly believe about the Church. There are so many misconceptions and so much misinformation spread for dubious purposes that the ill-informed often speak out against the Church. No - I don't feel ill will toward those that have left the Church and now speak against it. There were many in the time of Jesus that heard His words, did not believe, left His side, and returned to their former ways. Yes - Yes, it is true what many of my Protestant friends say. The term Catholic Church does translate to "Universal Church". But it DOES NOT translate to Universal Churches. I believe that Christ founded one Church, on one leader, for all people, for all time. I pray often, just as Jesus did, that we become one. One in the Church founded by Christ, not in any church founded by man. Man cannot found a "church" and consider it part of the Universal Church, especially "churches" that do not submit to the Universal Church founded by Christ. Just because I call myself a millionaire does not make me one. Just because an organization founded by man calls itself a "church" does not make it one.Christ founded ONE Church for ALL mankind. God has graced me through prayer and the teachings of the Church with a true understanding of what Jesus did for all of us and the truth of the Catholic Christian Faith. And yes, the teachings of the Church are oh so very critical. We have all been guilty of answering our own prayers the way we want them answered. That is what I like about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I know I am forgiven instead of "forgiving myself" through selfish prayer. I don't like to assume anything......... The most important thing to me in the Catholic Faith is the Eucharist. We join with Jesus through the blessed sacrament of the Eucharist. We remain in him, and he in us. Jesus speaks of his flesh and blood, but many cannot comprehend what he means. That was true in his time also. We are too caught up in the worldly meaning of "flesh and blood" to understand that his real presence in the Eucharist is glorious. Real food to strengthen us on our journey. So many people today can't seem to grasp this. Sometimes it is difficult to overcome what we have been taught as a child and find the truth. But the truth is there. At one time or another, we have all wondered how the Jewish religious leaders in the time of Jesus could have strayed so far from what God had intended. We all feel pretty confident that we know what God thinks and we would never get to the point reached by the holy men of Jerusalem. Yet today, we can look at the many "variations" of Christianity and come to the

realization that we have done exactly that. We have all decided that we know best and we can interpret the bible and obtain our own meaning. We, as a Christian society, have decided that we all understand Christ and we all have the answers. We all have the inside track to salvation. The fragmentation started with the Protestant Reformation and has accelerated ever since. In the time of Jesus there was only one truth. He founded one Church. For 1600 years there was only one Church. For 1600 years there was only one truth. Paul did not foretell the Protestant Reformation and the thousands of different Christian churches, but he did warn us about the human nature that led to it. "For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths." 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For about the last 400 years, Protestant churches have multiplied and divided until today there are over 33,000 denominations - all professing their own version of the truth. All Protestant faiths disregard Sacred Tradition, which is the literal living history of the Church founded by Jesus. I explain it to my religion classes in this way. Imagine in 20 years you go to a high school reunion. When you begin to reminisce about your time in school, all you are allowed to do is to open your yearbook and look through it, read it. You can't talk about anything but what is in your yearbook. You can't talk about any of the activities that pictures bring to mind. You can't rely on the memory of others to refresh your memory about some of the things you have forgotten. That eliminates a big part of your high school years. This is a very simple analogy with Sacred Tradition. Disregarding Sacred Tradition strips the faith down to only what you can read and leaves much open to interpretation. While we all hold the Sacred Scriptures dear to our heart and read them often, it is important to know from Tradition how things were done, why they were done, and other critical aspects of the Faith not found in the Bible. It is important how the early Church worshiped. It is important how the early Church practiced and understood the Faith. Contact a Catholic Church about RICA classes. Take some time in your life to learn about Jesus and HIS Church. Take time to learn THE COMPLETE TRUTH and experience THE COMPLETE FAITH. "And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are." John 17:11 If you take time to learn only one more thing in your life, I pray that you open your heart and learn about the Catholic Faith. I mean that sincerely. The Catholic Faith is the single most consistent representation for the true faith of Jesus and has remained so for the last 2000 years. Do not let your mind be poisoned and turned against the truth. If you are a Christian, you know the truth. Come learn about the Church founded by Jesus and learn the WHOLE truth. Jesus started one Church. Christ warned about the wisdom of man as compared to the wisdom of God. Do not fall to the folly of men who think they can do it better. The Church was founded by and belongs to Jesus. It is not a free enterprise opportunity. Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ~Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas is a time when you get homesick - even when you're home. ~Carol Nelson

He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year - and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. ~W.J. Cameron

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other. ~Burton Hillis

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly. ~Andy Rooney

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

There has been only one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries.

~W.J. Cameron

'Twas 'Twas A The ~Walter

Christmas Christmas Christmas poor man's

broach'd told gambol heart

the the oft through

mightiest merriest could half the

ale; tale; cheer year. Scott

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves. ~Eric Sevareid

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall. ~Larry Wilde, The Merry Book of Christmas

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~Washington Irving

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~Peg Bracken

Isn't it funny that at Christmas something in you gets so lonely for - I don't know what exactly, but it's something that you don't mind so much not having at other times. ~Kate L. Bosher

At

Christmas,

all

roads

lead

home.

~Marjorie

Holmes

Instead of being a time of unusual behavior, Christmas is perhaps the only time in the year when people can obey their natural impulses and express their true sentiments without feeling selfconscious and, perhaps, foolish. Christmas, in short, is about the only chance a man has to be himself. ~Francis C. Farley

It

is

Christmas

in

the

heart

that

puts

Christmas

in

the

air.

~W.T.

Ellis

For centuries men have kept an appointment with Christmas. Christmas means fellowship, feasting, giving and receiving, a time of good cheer, home. ~W.J. Ronald Tucker

Christmas is for loving, like bells and

forever, not sharing, giving, lights and tinsel,

for are in not some

just to box

one put upon a

day, away shelf.

The good you ~Norman Wesley "Let Every Day

do

for others Brooks (U.S. Be Christmas,"

good you do yourself... design engineer, 1923-2002) 1976 - click for full poem

is

Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it. ~Richard Lamm

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! ~Hamilton Wright Mabie

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas MICHAELANN MARTIN Issue: How can families better live the spirit of Advent and Christmas in their homes? Response The Catholic Church has designated the four weeks preceding Christmas as Advent, a time to prepare the way of the Lord for His coming as our King and Savior. In addition, the Church teaches that: [w]hen the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviors first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating [John the Baptists] birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: He must increase, but I must decrease (Catechism, no. 524; original emphasis). By participating in various time-honored traditions, such as making Jesse trees or putting on a Christmas play at home, Catholic families can engage more fruitfully in the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Discussion: Either we live the liturgical year with its varying seasons of joy and sorrow, work and rest, or we follow the pattern of the world, writes Helen McLoughlin in Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home, commenting on the challenge Catholics have of being in the world but not of the world throughout the year. She wrote these profound words in the 1950s, but they are even more important today because of the general decline in Catholic family life during the last 40 years. With two parents working in many households, there is less time to devote to the spiritual life of the family. As Catholic parents, we must readjust our priorities and teach our children by living our faith, both inside and outside the home.

It seems fitting that Advent is the beginning of the liturgical calendar, for it is a season of spiritual preparation marked by an eager longing for the birth of Our Savior Jesus Christ. There are age-old Advent practices, some of which are mentioned in this FAITH FACT, which will help our children and families live closer to Christ. The practices are time-tested and proven. They teach the doctrine of redemption and develop a sense of generosity toward God (cf. Catechism, nos. 2222-26). A familys strong and living faith will become their heritage and a mode to reinforce the religious practices centered in the liturgy. Children love to anticipate, writes McLoughlin. When there are empty mangers to fill with straw for small sacrifices, when the Mary candle is a daily reminder on the dinner table, when Advent hymns are sung in the candlelight of a graceful Advent wreath, children are not anxious to celebrate Christmas before time. That would offend their sense of honor. Older children who make Nativity sets, cut Old Testament symbols to decorate a Jesse tree, or prepare costumes for a Christmas play will find Advent all too short a time to prepare for the coming of Christ the King. These are hopeful thoughts as we prepare to incorporate some of these liturgical activities into our home life during Advent to enable us to truly celebrate Christmas. It is a shame that many do not fast during Advent, because without a fast there can really be no feast at Christmas. Fasting and other forms of penance, such as prayer and almsgiving, help to purify our hearts and prepare us for the celebration of Christmas (cf. Catechism, no. 1434). The Church especially encourages participation at weekday Masses during Advent, because in the Eucharist we find the source and goal of our Advent preparation: Christ Himself, whose sacrifice reconciles us with God (cf. Catechism, no. 1436; Sacred Congregation of Rites, Eucharisticum Mysterium, no. 29). The Church primarily celebrates Christmas from Christmas Day until the Solemnity of the Epiphany, which commemorates the manifestation of Christ as the Savior of the whole world (cf. Mt. 2:1-12). The Church has also traditionally celebrated Christmas for 40 days, culminating on the Feast of the Presentation (Feb. 2). During this time, the birth of Christ is celebrated as one continuous festival. It is just as important to celebrate during the Christmas season as it is to prepare for Christ during Advent. The following activities are provided so that you and your family can live Advent and Christmas to the fullest.

Advent wreath: The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the penitential Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. There are many available prayers and hymns found in the reading list that can accompany your personal Advent wreath ceremony. The empty manger: Each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, Baby Jesus is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus bed as comfortable as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christs incomparable self-gift at Christmas and Easter that enables us to be part

of

Gods

family.

The Jesse tree: The Jesse tree tells about Christs ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ. The tree can be made on a poster board with the symbols glued on, or on an actual tree. For further information read, Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home. St. Nicholas Day: The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts will pay a visit. The current Santa Claus is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book. The Christ candle: Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection. The Mary candle: Some families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose yes to God enabled our Lords coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Marys eager expectation of the Light of the World. It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christs coming. St. Lucy cakes: The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, is on December 13th. This marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading. The Nativity scene: This is the event in which the entire family shares setting up the Christmas manger. Mary and Joseph should be far off traveling and their approach to Bethlehem can be adjusted daily. Older children can make life-size Nativity models, carve them, cut them out from cardboard, or set up pre-made figurines. The creative ideas are without limit. Make sure to place the Nativity scene where many can admire the childrens efforts to give God glory. Christmas baking: There are many recipe books available to find great traditional Christmas baking ideas. (See recommended reading below.) The baking usually starts around December 20th. As Christmas approaches, the house will smell of baking and fresh wreaths. The glory of Christmas is at hand! Move the manger to a focal point, add lights to the Nativity to be lighted on Christmas Eve, and anticipate together. Blessing of the tree: More and more frequently families are blessing their Christmas trees. It is good to remind children that the tree relates to many aspects of our faith. For example, we are

reminded that our first parents were not allowed to eat from one tree, and that Christ paid the great price for our redemption by hanging on a tree (cf. Acts 5:29-32). There are many different stories which attempt to explain why we use a tree at Christmas. For instance, St. Boniface in the eighth century gave the balsam fir tree to the Druids in place of the oak tree, the symbol of their idol. He said, The fir tree is the wood of peace, the sign of an endless life with its evergreen branches. It points to heaven. It will never shelter deeds of blood, but rather be filled with loving gifts and rites of kindness. There are more stories and blessings included in McLoughlins Advent and Christmas in a Catholic Home. A family can also participate in Advent through daily Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours, or at least by following the weekday Mass readings at home, as the Church anticipates her Saviors coming, and then His early life following Christmas. A family that participates together in Mass and other activities during the Advent and Christmas seasons will grow closer in Christ The Reason for the Season and give a great witness to friends and relatives. The Jesse tree reminds us of Jesus Davidic ancestry (cf. Mt. 1:1). For a greater understanding of the relationship between the house of David, Jesus, and the Catholic Churchs divine origin, see CUFs FAITH FACT: Rock Solid: The Salvation History of the Catholic Church. Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces His glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for His coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Great O's" On the evening of December 17 the final phase of preparation for Christmas begins with the first of the great "O Antiphons" of Advent. These prayers are seven jewels of liturgical song, one for each day until Christmas Eve. They seem to sum up all our Advent longing for the Savior.

December 17 O Wisdom, that proceedest from the mouth of the Most High, Reaching from end to end mightily, and sweetly disposing all things: come and teach us the way of prudence. December 18 O Lord and Ruler of the house of Israel, Who didst appear unto Moses in the burning bush, and gavest him the law on Sinai: come and redeem us by Thy outstretched arm. December 19 O Root of Jesse, Who standest as the Ensign of the people, before Whom kings shall not open their lips; to Whom the Gentiles shall pray: come and deliver us, tarry now no more. December 20 O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; Who openest, and no man shutteth, Who shuttest, and no man openeth: come and lead the captive from the prison house, and him that sitteth in darkness and the shadow of death. December 21 O Dawn of the East, Splendor of the eternal Light, and Sun of justice: Come and enlighten them that sit in darkness, and the shadow of death.

December 22 O King of the gentiles, yea, and the desire thereof, the Cornerstone that makest both one: come and save man, whom Thou hast made out of the slime of the earth. December 23 O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the expectation of all nations and their Salvation: come and save us, O Lord our God.