After a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit by way of Elizabeth, this evening our family began the Christmas Novena for the first time ever. What a beautiful, meaningful way to draw our Advent to a close (especially since we never quite got around to the Jesse Tree ornaments...again. Sigh. I'm determined to join a swap next year.).We don't have an O Antiphon House, but I'm making simple ornaments using the Antiphon symbols to hang on our bare Advent tree, adorned only in purple lights. (see above comment regarding the lack of JTO) Actually, I think it might be better that the tree will simply hold the O Antiphons this year. I'm all about simplicity (and rationalizing my failings) whenever I can be. Next year, I'll aim for a Jesse Tree and an O Antiphon House, and we'll see where the good Lord takes us.
My sweet friend in Vermont pointed me to an excellent website describing the O Antiphons where you can actually link to each Antiphon sung exquisitely in Latin. (Thanks, Marianne!) You can be sure I will have my laptop ready to play during our evening prayers tomorrow night.
So, how are you getting ready for the arrival of baby Jesus in these final days?
3 comments:
Diane, you are very welcome! Your blog is always an inspiration to me. I always look forward to it. A note about the Jesse Tree. This is the first year of having ornaments for our Jesse Tree(due to a "swap")
One year I couldn't find my advent wreath and we've only ever managed to do the O Antiphons once a few years back:) My inspiration come from lovely Catholic women like you...living their faith on a daily bases and also all the beautiful ideas from the ladies at 4Real.
You and your family are in our prayers this Holy season.
Blessings,
Marianne
I, too, gave up on the Jesse tree this year. I will be doing a swap! I did not know much about the O Antiphons, but would like to try it next year. This year, we are focusing on the family rosary, and have a small baby crib underneath the tree awaiting the arrival of The Baby. Keeping it simple. If I try to do too much, I get overwhelmed and upset. I was about to have a baby myself this time last year, and it was very hectic and stressful on our three other young kids. We will be quietly awaiting our Lords arrival. :-)
I love the picture of your Christmas tree next to the fireplace, Diane. Lovely!
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