There are so many ways to celebrate Advent and get into the Christmas spirit! But what is the Christmas spirit? The true Christmas spirit is the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. How can families teach their children to be more attuned to His inspirations during these precious days that lead up to the birth of the Son of God, Who came that we “might have life and have it more abundantly”? (John 10:10)
The Wise Men’s Stars
“The stars shone in their watches, and were glad; He called them, and they said, ‘Here we are!’ They shone with gladness for Him Who made them” (Baruch 3:34).
The three wise men were sent a star to follow so that they might find the true King for Whom they had waited and searched their whole lives. God sends all of His children stars to follow to lead them to Him. Whether it’s a poignant word in a homily, or a smile on someone’s face, peace after praying, or the knowledge that only He can heal the wounds one endures - there are so many stars in the night sky of life, but how many do people notice on a daily basis? Perhaps a fun project which can be a reminder of the stars God asks His children to follow would be to hang stars from the ceiling. Cut out of wrapping paper, or a hand-painted work of art, these fun little objects will be a beautiful and Christmasey pointer to God’s Love.
The Birthday Banner
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6).
The birth of our Savior is one of the greatest feasts celebrated by the Church, second only to Easter. His is the most important birthday that the world celebrates. Why not decorate accordingly? A banner with the words, “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” could be the perfect craft to teach the kids that Jesus really was born, and He was born for them.
The Christmas Puzzle
“That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:5).
The union of God and man in the Person of Christ Jesus is a paradox and a mystery. That God should become man…how is it even possible? With all Mysteries of the Faith, while we try to understand them as best we can, it must be acknowledged that the human mind cannot fully comprehend them. A fun way to remember this is by doing a Christmas puzzle. There are many puzzles that depict the Nativity of the Lord, and, as one tries to put them together, the picture is slowly formed, although the puzzle is still a puzzle even after it’s been put together. Similarly, the Mysteries of the Faith always remain mysteries even after one studies and understands them as much as one can - faith must take over after reason has reached as far as it is able.
May the Holy Spirit guide every person more deeply into the Truth - the Truth Who was born for us on Christmas Day!
