"Out of the darkness, into the light:
the time before Christmas
is the time of light and mutual love."
~Sir Kristian Goldmund Aumann
It is the final week of Advent and the focus of this week is on love. We concentrate on Christ's coming to earth because of His love for us. We look to the incarnation of pure love in Jesus as our model of how to love God and each other.
During this week, it may be easy to become distracted with the parties, noise, and shopping. It is important to take time to ensure our attention is on that little Baby who was born of the Virgin Mary in the stable of Bethlehem that cold and starry night.
There are numerous ways to prepare for Christmas during this final week of Advent. Here are a few that you can introduce into your Church of the Home:
Seek Silence
Strive to cultivate a silent and recollected heart. Try to avoid all unnecessary noise. When we have moments of silence it is then that God’s Holy Spirit can speak to us, give us certain lights or insights, and send heavenly inspirations.
Watch Christmas Movies
To set the stage for a fruitful Christmas viewing a good movie or two can be exceedingly fruitful. The USCCB has compiled a list of Christmas movies appropriate for any Church of the Home:
Find Joy in Giving More Than Having
The essential message of A Christmas Carol is that true joy can only be attained inasmuch as we learn the art of giving freely, generously, and continually to others. Let us seek out ways that we can give to others, especially those most in need. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta asserted: Give until it hurts!
Visit the Poor, the Aged, the Sick, and Abandoned
Living out the Gospel of love is a perennial task. However, to really live out Advent to the fullest extent possible and experience the joy of the Lord Jesus born in Bethlehem, we should seek out helping those in our society who suffer most. Remember the words of Jesus: Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you have done to me.
Mother Mary and Christmas
Of course, Christmas would not have taken place if it were not for the generous yes of Mary! Stay close to Mary. Pray the Rosary, especially the Joyful Mysteries.
Another way to prepare for Christmas is to revisit the story of the Nativity - the true meaning of Christmas.
You can read the story of the first Christmas in both the Gospel of Matthew (1:18 - 2:12) and the Gospel of Luke (2:1-20). What better way to end the season of Advent than to take time as a family to read about the Holy Family!
We can get so used to all the secular images of Christmas that we can easily forget what it really looked like. As fun as it is to celebrate with presents and elves, reindeer, and Santa, the first Christmas was even more magical!
After spending some time reading through the Christmas story, click the video below to watch children explain the story of the Nativity in their own words, as their parents act it out.
Lauren Daigle - Light of the World
Christmas 2021
Simple Mass Attendance Guide
With the Solemnities of the Nativity of the Lord and Mary, the Holy Mother of God on Saturdays,
questions can arise about Holy Days of Obligation.
Holy Days of Obligation are particularly special days of which the faithful are expected to attend Mass, and engage in rest from work and recreation.
Holy Days of Obligation Masses:
Christmas
December 24 or December 25
see times above
Feast of the Holy Family
Sunday, December 26
8:30 AM or 10:30 AM
The Epiphany of the Lord
January 1 at 4:00 PM
or January 2 at 8:30 AM or 10:30 AM
Encouraged but not a Holy Day of Obligation:
Mary, the Mother of God
Saturday, January 1 at 9:00 AM
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:oo on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Where do we encounter God in the chaos of life? Join Tony as he reflects on faith and the birth of Christ in the least expected place in our lives.
Project Nazareth
New to Resurrection is "Project Nazareth: Faith Begins at Home"
This is an initiative that will deliver weekly resources to Churches of the Home. These resources will give suggestions for how to Pray, Listen, Act and Ponder with a given topic throughout the course of each week. Project Nazareth will explore the fundamental Gospel message of the Sunday Mass and other special topics such as the Year of the Eucharist.
This is a way to weave faith formation into the fabric of family life.
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
All That Glitters
Resurrection's annual variety show took place this past Wednesday.
Here is the video of the event in case you missed it or if you'd like to view it again.
Announcements
The Interfaith Longest Night Memorial Service will be held on
Tuesday, December 21.
This event is an effort to remember all those who have died while homeless in our country.
A candlelight walk for peace around St. John's Park in downtown Green Bay
will take place at 6:30 pm. Candles are provided.
A memorial service will begin in St. John's church at 7:00 pm.
Help bring awareness to the need for safe affordable housing options in Northeast Wisconsin. All are asked to please wear masks.
Visit the event's Facebook page for more information:
Recent Loss to Our Parish Family
Humor
What is greater than God
More evil than Satan
The poor have it
The rich need it
If I eat it, I die.
Nothing!
Health and Wellness
Families
Ruby and Res
During All That Glitters,
Ruby wasn't quite sure what was happening to her dad
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