Advent anyone?

[Bix]

Is anybody doing anything special for Advent this season? I thought about making myself an Advent wreath but honestly haven't found the time. Just curious to see what other people do to celebrate.

[john.a]

Originally Posted by Bix

Is anybody doing anything special for Advent this season? I thought about making myself an Advent wreath but honestly haven't found the time. Just curious to see what other people do to celebrate.

In past years, I haven't taken Christmas as seriously (and fun-ly!) as I could. So this year I'm really trying to feel the joy and get into the atmosphere of the season.

Obviously, I'm doing weekly Mass and I try and do the Sunday but I can never make it so I go during the week. I think I'm going to start praying the rosary twice a week during the days when we meditate on the Joyful Mysteries (they narrate the Christmas story). I also really wanted a wreathe but I have no idea where I can buy one on campus or how to make one. =S And my landlords didn't allow candles lit anyway so I dunno...

This is also one of the most "pagan" times of the year for me. I try and immerse myself in all the Jesus-figures of ancient paganism because for me, their existence in the myths of the past are indications that humanity longed for and strived to intimately know and worship the Christ before He had even been born. It emulates humanity's waiting period. And the climax of Christmas and Eucharistic reception during Christmas mass becomes that much more.

Reflecting on some good Christmas carols is a fun spiritual exercise as well since they foster contemplation of the Incarnation and its significance to humanity in general and to one's self personally. My favourite lines from O, Holy Night:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Merry Christmas, Bix. =)

[David19]

Originally Posted by john.a

In past years, I haven't taken Christmas as seriously (and fun-ly!) as I could. So this year I'm really trying to feel the joy and get into the atmosphere of the season.

Obviously, I'm doing weekly Mass and I try and do the Sunday but I can never make it so I go during the week. I think I'm going to start praying the rosary twice a week during the days when we meditate on the Joyful Mysteries (they narrate the Christmas story). I also really wanted a wreathe but I have no idea where I can buy one on campus or how to make one. =S And my landlords didn't allow candles lit anyway so I dunno...

This is also one of the most "pagan" times of the year for me. I try and immerse myself in all the Jesus-figures of ancient paganism because for me, their existence in the myths of the past are indications that humanity longed for and strived to intimately know and worship the Christ before He had even been born. It emulates humanity's waiting period. And the climax of Christmas and Eucharistic reception during Christmas mass becomes that much more.

Reflecting on some good Christmas carols is a fun spiritual exercise as well since they foster contemplation of the Incarnation and its significance to humanity in general and to one's self personally. My favourite lines from O, Holy Night:

Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Merry Christmas, Bix. =)

You should enjoy Christmas, and I hope you have a very Happy One (I'll probably be saying that nearer the time/on the day too!).

[Cloaked Raven]

Personally, I don't really do anything special for Advent. I celebrate Yule and the gift giving of Christmas but that's it.

Enjoy your Advent.