Jump for Joy
As Christmas nears, the joys that make your whole being—your heart and spirit—jump are often the simple yet profound moments of connection and love. The laughter of children as they decorate the Christmas tree, the warmth of shared meals with family and friends, and the beauty of carols sung together all contribute to a deep sense of joy. The anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus, the light of the world, fills our hearts with hope and gratitude. These moments remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and the joy that comes from being surrounded by loved ones and the presence of God.
Is there room prepared in your Church of the Home for the joy of Christmas? This question invites reflection on how you have made space in your daily life for the spiritual and communal aspects of the season.
Have you set aside time for prayer and reflection, allowing the peace and joy of Advent to permeate your home?
Have you created opportunities for acts of kindness and generosity, embodying the spirit of giving that Christmas represents?
By intentionally preparing your home and heart, you can ensure that the joy of Christmas is not just a fleeting feeling but a lasting presence that enriches your life and the lives of those around you.
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the material aspects of Christmas. However, by focusing on the spiritual preparation and making room for joy in your Church of the Home, you can experience a deeper, more meaningful celebration. This preparation involves not only physical space but also an openness of heart, ready to receive the love and joy that Christmas brings. As you light the Advent candles and reflect on the journey to Bethlehem, let your home be a place where the light of Christ shines brightly, filling every corner with the joy and peace of His presence.
Ways to Bring Joy to the World and Your Church of the Home adapted from Hallmark Ideas
Play music and sing songs
Wanna get the kids away from the video games? Pump up the volume on the Bluetooth speaker or pull out the guitars and turn your living room into a karaoke bar or concert hall.
Start a new family tradition
Decorate an extra Christmas tree with a particular theme—maybe something kid-friendly? Or over-the-top sparkly? Or covered in peanut butter pinecones and dried fruit for winter birds?
Take time to be grateful
Write a personal note in a Christmas card that expresses how much someone means to you and how happy you are that they’re a part of your life.
Remember to say thank you to people doing their jobs or just being thoughtful—niceties sometimes get forgotten in this hustle-bustle time of year.
Have family movie time
Make it a big deal! Wear cozy pajamas. Get out extra pillows and blankets, and build a blanket fort or comfy nest to watch from. Make some holiday-flavored popcorn and some warm, sweet drinks to sip on.
Share what you have
Don’t know what to do with last year’s too-small coats? Donate them to a charity or homeless shelter.
Take some treats and old blankets to an animal shelter—or look up their wish list online.
Give someone a book you enjoyed with a note to pass it on when they’re done. Or drop some of your favorite books in a Little Free Library.
Be a good neighbor
Extend an invitation to dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and it’s always a nice gesture.
Consider dropping a plate of treats on the doorstep.
Check in on your elderly neighbors—maybe even shovel their sidewalk, offer to carry their groceries, or help them deliver packages to the post office.
Get your Christmas kindness on (in 20 seconds or less)
Leave an extra-big tip next time you eat out
Leave a nice note or card on someone’s windshield
Give a genuine compliment
Make eye contact and smile (in a nice, non-creepy way)
Be understanding of the parents with the noisy kids (they feel bad enough as it is)
Pick up a piece of trash and throw it away
Remember to say please, thank you, and bless you
Go above and beyond
Hang out with someone you suspect could use some company
Stick nice notes in unexpected places for your friends, family (or even strangers) to find
Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen (or find a charity that does something you do for fun and offer your time)
Write an enthusiastic, positive review for a local business you enjoy
Write nice comments on social media posts instead of just hitting “like” (Bonus: Your fingers get exercise!)
During Advent, the painting "Jump for Joy" by Corby Eisbacher has been a visual reminder of Resurrection's anticipation of the coming of Christ. The painting has inspired many over the last four weeks. Take time as a Church of the Home and discuss the painting. But even more inspirational is the background behind the painting. Artist Corby Eisbacher wrote:
"I painted Jump For Joy with the intention to speak not only through the image but the color that breathed life into it. This was the first painting I did in this series since becoming sober in 2007 so I was definitely filled with a new life that I prayed others would see through the painting. Today I’m 17 years sober and there are still some people finding joy in my gift of art and for that I’m truly blessed."
Join us for Mass this weekend
in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
"Blessed are you who believed that what the Lord promised." Do we recognizing God's presence in our lives, in the value of human life, and in the blessings that come from trusting in God's plan? We are encouraged to embrace the hope and joy that comes with the birth of Jesus and to reflect on our own faith journeys as we prepare for Christmas. Join Fr. Tim as he reflects upon the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas scripture readings.
AUDITIO DIVINA
In this episode of Auditio Divina, hosts Katie and Tony explore the theme of love in the context of Advent, using Coldplay's song 'All My Love' as a focal point. They guide listeners through a sacred listening practice that includes listening, meditation, prayer, and contemplation, emphasizing the importance of love in relationships and spirituality. The conversation reflects on personal experiences of love and how it shapes our lives, especially during the holiday season.
Lyrics:
We've been through low
Been through sunshine, been through snow
All the colors of the weather
We've been through high
Every corner of the sky
And still we're holding on together
You got all my love
Whether it rains or pours, I'm all yours
You've got all my love
Whether it rains, it remains
You've got all my love
FAMILIES
WEEKLY BULLETIN
(click to read)
NEWEST MEMBERS IN OUR FAMILY OF FAITH
RECENT LOSS IN OUR PARISH FAMILY
PARISH LYCEUM
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ruby and Res
Ruby can feel the joy between Mary and Elizabeth!
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