Rachel’s Corner
Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
o Start your day by donning your favorite pair of blue jeans, embracing comfort as you tackle the tasks of the day.
§ Take a moment to savor a slice of delicious Sacher-Torte for breakfast, indulging in a sweet treat to kick off your day with a smile.
· Channel your inner ninja and engage in some stealthy fun – perhaps a game of hide and seek with friends or family.
o Then, unwind with a relaxing bath for Bathtub Party Day, complete with candles and soothing music to create a spa-like atmosphere at home.
o Communication is key, so make an effort to connect with your kids on a deeper level. Engage in meaningful conversations, play together, and strengthen bonds through quality time spent together.
§ Embrace the spirit of giving on International Volunteer Day by donating your time or resources to a cause you are passionate about.
· Celebrate National Repeal Day by mixing up a classic cocktail or mocktail at home, raising a toast to the end of prohibition.
o Get your hands dirty for World Soil Day by planting a tree or tending to a garden, connecting with nature and appreciating the earth’s bounty.
§ Embrace the dark side for Krampusnacht by getting crafty and creating your own Krampus-themed decorations or costumes.
· Lastly, honor the spirit of unity and solidarity on National AFL-CIO Day by supporting workers’ rights in your community or workplace.
Best Place to visit in December: Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is a gateway to some of the best skiing in the U.S., with nearby resorts like Snowbird, Alta Ski Area and Deer Valley Resort opening for the 2024-2025 season between late November and early December. When you're not hitting the slopes, head to Temple Square to see hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights create a holiday wonderland around the iconic Salt Lake Temple. Stroll through Christkindlmarkt SLC (Dec. 4 to 7) at This is the Place Heritage Park for holiday gifts or catch a performance of Ballet West's "The Nutcracker" (Dec. 6 to 28), a beloved tradition celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Dinner Menu
DECEMBER 5 Thursday in the First week of Advent
saint Nicholas eve-Prohibition Repeal
Zephaniah, Chapter 3, Verse 15-16
15 The LORD has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to FEAR. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, Zion, do not be discouraged!
Zephaniah like many prophets offered the Israelites a plan for repentance and invites the people to walk in it. He navigates the path back to God, outlining it this way.[1]
1. Wait for God to remove the cancerous population. (vv. 8-11)
2. Trust God to restore a remnant of humble, obedient men and women. (vv. 12-13)
3. Look to God and rejoice that he has taken away your guilt. (vv. 14-15)
4. Hope in God to renew your peace and strength (vv. 16-17)
5. Allow God to recover the appointed feasts and the lost people (vv. 18-20)
Through Christ the lord has accomplished this for the world! The lord demonstrates his love for us by loving us into existence and by giving us freewill to love him in return. But when we reject that love he not wanting our destruction came through the virgin to woo us back to him. He came as a poor child born in a stable and upon becoming a man attracted his apostles by his power and love. We all play a role in the plan of God and are forevermore like the apostles “fishers of men.” Notice how our lord took simple fishermen and using their raw natural talent he, even in their sinfulness, was able to mold them into legends. To do this for them they had to have faith. Faith is the opposite of fear. We must have the faith of a shepherd who trusts even during the longest night that there will be a dawn and remain unsullied to our purpose and protect those entrusted to us as a shepherd does his sheep. There is no better example for us of purity of purpose then Christ’s own mother Mary.
The Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated on December 6. Children leave their shoes outside their bedroom door the night before and awaken that day to find a surprise treat in their shoes. Saint Nicholas was a fourth century bishop in Lycia, a province in Turkey. He became well known for his generosity. He is also considered the patron saint of brides and children and the precursor to Santa Claus.[2]
The Eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated throughout much of Europe with sweets and gifts to children. Legend tells us that Nicholas was a man of action and used his abundance that the Lord provided him to give special protection to children and unmarried young women. Let us find some way today to practice both the spiritual and temporal works of mercy. Today would be a good day to do something that helps children or young unmarried women from the abundance that God has provided us. For those who cannot share it is suggested to fast twice this week as was the practice of Saint Nicholas and give the cost of the food you would normally spend to help those in need. From the store house of your spiritual abundance your prayers can make a difference: pray especially for women who are enslaved in addictions and/or the sex slave trade. Thousands of men from over 80 countries consistently pray for women lead by an online organization called “e5 men”[3]. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to this.
Krampusnacht[4]
Translated in English to “Krampus Night” and associated with the Feast of St. Nicholas, this day is a tradition believed to have started in Germany many centuries ago. The day has grown in scope and is now celebrated throughout many European cities as a not-so-jolly opportunity to punish naughty children!
Krampus is a mythical character, appearing as a sort of a horned, devil-ish monster who sometimes has a scraggly, hairy body as well as long tongue. Sometimes the monster is depicted wearing chains. While the origins of Krampus may go all the way back to the 7th century, it wasn’t until the 17th century when the character was paired with St. Nicholas in Christian winter festivities in Europe. The creature has been used as a means to scare children into behaving ahead of the Christmas holiday, sometimes carrying a bundle of twigs used to swat children. Krampus may also have the power to take away gifts given by St. Nicholas, replacing them with coal.
Krampusnacht takes place the day before the Feast of St. Nicholas. In many cities throughout Europe, men will dress up in costumes as Krampus and roam through the streets to frighten children. In some traditions, Krampus is also accompanied by an angel or fairy-like character, along with St. Nicholas.
Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and the Angels
As is well-known, "Santa Claus" comes from the Dutch rendering of Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop famous for giving gifts anonymously to children and the needy. However, as Father Francis Weiser argues in his Handbook of Christian Customs (p. 113), the various legends surrounding Santa Claus actually come from the god of Norse and Germanic mythology, Thor (after whom Thursday is named). Thor was portrayed as a large, jovial old man with a long white beard whose symbolic color was red (owing to his association with fire). Thunder was said to have been caused by the rolling of his chariot (drawn by two white goats) across the clouds, and his home was said to have been "Northland," somewhere among the icebergs. The fireplace was also considered sacred to Thor because it was through it that he came into his element, the fire. We owe this odd metamorphosis of a Christian saint into a pagan god to New York City. When the Dutch founded the city in the seventeenth century, they observed the Catholic custom of "Saint Nicholas' visit" on the saint's feast day (December 5). This the Dutch did even though they were Protestant. When English Protestants later commandeered the city, they were offended by the practice, but their children very much liked it. The compromise that was eventually made was to transfer the giving of gifts from the 5th of December to the 25th and to add so many pagan elements to the story that the figure of the saintly Catholic bishop (who, incidentally, was notoriously intolerant of heretics) would no longer be recognizable. The older Christian custom is that on the night of December 5 (the vigil of Saint Nicholas Day), children write notes addressed to the Child Jesus and put them on their windowsill, whence St. Nicholas carries them to heaven. A variation of this custom, prevalent in South America, is to write notes sometime between December 16 to 24 and to put them in front of the crib, from which point Angels carry the requests to heaven. Though the value of bringing children up on these stories is open to debate, at least the older customs explicitly tie the reception of gifts to the advent of Christ and portray the other figures (Nicholas or the angels) as His assistants. There was also a charming custom of "St. Nicholas" (a man dressed as a bishop) bringing gifts to children in person on his feast day.[5]
Tonight, candy for the kids and… for Mom & Dad?
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[1]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 9
On this 9th day, find peace in a spirit of
poverty and be mindful of others
Copilot:
Finding peace in a
spirit of poverty and mindfulness of others is a deeply transformative and
fulfilling path. Embracing simplicity and focusing on the needs of others can
bring profound inner peace and a greater sense of connection to the world
around you. Here are some ways to cultivate this spirit:
Embrace Simplicity
1.
Live Simply: Reduce
excess in your life. This could mean decluttering your living space,
simplifying your routines, or minimizing material possessions.
2.
Gratitude: Practice
gratitude for what you have, recognizing the value in simple joys and daily
blessings.
Serve Others
1.
Acts of Kindness: Engage
in small acts of kindness daily. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering,
or simply offering a smile, these actions can make a significant difference.
2.
Listen and Support: Be
present and attentive to the needs of others. Offer your time, empathy, and
support to those who may need it.
Mindful Living
1.
Mindfulness Practices:
Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your daily routine. This can help
you stay grounded and focused on the present moment.
2.
Reflection: Spend time
reflecting on your actions and intentions, ensuring they align with your values
and the spirit of poverty and mindfulness.
Spiritual Practices
1.
Prayer and Meditation:
Dedicate time each day to prayer and meditation, seeking peace and guidance
from a higher power.
2.
Scripture Reading:
Reflect on passages that emphasize humility, simplicity, and service to others.
[1]https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/33-days-to-eucharistic-glory/33EG.html?srsltid=AfmBOopIHMivIR422BjtUtJ2KZm8-MrVMEJFtxZYH7ZkFuXRwdu5G1Qi#longDescription
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Day 176
Two traditions: East and West
1290 In the first centuries Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with Baptism, forming with it a "double sacrament," according to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant baptisms all through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations. In the West the desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused the temporal separation of the two sacraments. the East has kept them united, so that Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so only with the "myron" consecrated by a bishop.
1291 A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. the first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop. The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. If Baptism is conferred on an adult, there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of Confirmation.
1292 The practice of the Eastern Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian initiation. That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity, and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christ's Church.
II. The Signs and the Rite of Confirmation
1293 In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal.
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength.
1294 Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. the pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. the post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ."
1295 By this anointing the confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. Hence soldiers were marked with their leader's seal and slaves with their master's. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret.
1296 Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father's seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrollment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial.
Prohibition Repeal Day[6]
If you like a drink, then Repeal Day is all about you. On the 5th of December, it’s time to raise a glass to all things: cocktails, beer, and spirit, and celebrate your right to have a cheeky little (or large!) tipple now and then. Whether you enjoy a sip of sophistication with a swish cocktail or simple G and T, or even if you’re happy to sit back with a bottle of beer, this day celebrates kicking back with a drink or two whether at home, with friends or at the pub.
Between January 5th, 1919, and December 5th, 1933, America was dry. And we don’t mean it didn’t get much rainfall – during these years, the consumption of alcohol was banned. This was supposed to end drunkenness and put a stop to crime – but if anything, it just made problems with lawbreaking even worse.
Simply enough, even though it had been banned, there was still a demand for alcohol – and some shady characters made it their business to help America get a swig of the sweet stuff. Soon enough, organized crime would become a key driver of the liquor trade.
Bootlegging, or rum running as it might also be known, became of especial favor with crime lords. Sneaking liquor around the country became a big business in 1920s USA, and despite the best effort of authorities, the big wigs of the underworld were soon reveling in the money it brought them.
Realizing perhaps keeping beer away from the people was causing more trouble than it was worth, several repeal organizations were born and eventually, after much consideration, the 18th Amendment was lifted. And so, on the back of all that, we celebrate repeal day.
How to celebrate Repeal Day
This day is an easy one to celebrate, especially if you are partial to a cheeky drink or two. There’s no need to get dressed up – although if you choose to go to a posh wine bar, you could always pop on something sparkly; Celebrate repeal day by grabbing yourself a quick drink on the 5th, or perhaps you could make some swanky cocktails at home.
If you’re feeling sociable after a day at work, why not get the gang together and go down to your local pub for a few?
And if you don’t drink alcohol, you can always get involved with alcohol-free beer, or some tasty virgin cocktails. Cheers!
Perhaps we should do a little goldschlager in honor of St. Nicolas.
Jesse Tree[7]
Jesse Tree Scriptures (The Symbols Are Only Suggestions)
December 1 Creation: Gen. 1:1-31; 2:1-4 Symbols: sun, moon, stars, animals, earth
December 2 Adam and Eve: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24 Symbols: tree, man, woman
December 3 Fall of Man: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24 Symbols: tree, serpent, apple with bite
December 4 Noah: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22 Symbols: ark, animals, dove, rainbow
December 5 Abraham: Gen. 12:1-3 Symbols: torch, sword, mountain
Daily Devotions
· Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: True Masculinity
· Religion in the home: Preschool for December
· Offering to the sacred heart of Jesus
· Make reparations to the Holy Face
· Rosary
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