Here at Corpus Christi we celebrated a surprise Christmas! Our Christmas festivities were planned for this coming Tuesday, but this afternoon, after a few of our plans had changed, we realized that all of us would be home. And so, the stockings hung by the chimney with care were handed out and enjoyed by all!
It's not even December 25th but the spirit of Christmas has been alive and well! We had a fun and entertaining celebration together this evening.
What I have most enjoyed about this year's "Christmas experience" has been our intentional recognition of Advent. Sitting above our mantle is our manger set. Each week of Advent a new piece appeared . . . week one, the sheep were scattered about grazing . . . week two the shepherds joined the herd . . . week three Mary, Joseph, and the donkey appeared at the one end . . . and now with each day that draws us closer to Christ's birth, Mary and Joseph move closer to the stable. Of course the Kings and camel will come in January . . .
Today was truly a great day, filled with a true sense of community. For the first time since I've moved to Corpus Christi, the four of us attended Mass together where we joined Sr. Ann McFadden, who so generously treated us to breakfast afterwards.
We all went about our own business throughout the day, but in the evening after our stocking fun we made soft pretzels together.
And to top off our evening we ate them!
Old traditions were celebrated and new one's created, and that's the beauty of Christmas and Community!
Sounds like fun, Sara. I like the idea of adding things to the manger scene little by little. I'll have to try that next year!
ReplyDeleteIt really was and is a NEAT experience. . . really gets you in the mood and reminds you that it's a time of preparation!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all of you!!!
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