Advent: Preparing Our Hearts

Advent officially begins on Sunday, December 1st, but we couldn't wait to start preparing our hearts for Christmas, so we began early. As we focus on that which is true, good, and beautiful, the Lord is drawing us to Himself, for He is Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.



We are listening to Handel's Messiah, a little at a time every morning, just as Cindy at Ordo Amoris does with her kids. It takes less than 10 minutes a day, but it brings such richness to our Morning Time.

We are memorizing the Christmas story in Luke 2:1-14 and Psalm 8, which is such a beautiful passage of praise, as is Isaiah 9:6.

I would also like to memorize a new poem for Christmas, but I haven't decided on which one yet. Any ideas? (We are still working on The Charge of the Light Brigade by Tennyson and a couple of shorter pieces.) Years ago we memorized Christina Rossetti's My Gift, and it is a simple but lovely poem for Christmas.

My Gift
~Christina Rossetti

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part,-
Yet what can I give Him,
Give my heart.

My friend Julee shared some her family's favorite Christmas books, and we have loved many of the same titles. I am currently reading aloud A Christmas Carol by Dickens, and after that is done we'll enjoy The Birds' Christmas Carol and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which is absolutely hilarious and quite endearing.

We are listening again to The Hobbit audio book in preparation for the movie release. Although it's technically not a Christmas book, there are lots of feasts and singing and, well, Tolkien's writing and Rob Inglis' narration are both such gifts. :-)

Because of our nursing home ministry, the kids have learned many hymns and Christmas carols over the years, for which I'm thankful. I've just realized, though, that they haven't learned O Come, O Come Emmanuel yet, so this will be the year I will remedy that.

We are looking forward to setting up our Nativity scene this weekend!

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us." Matthew 1:23