Kitchen Catechism: Prayers

An Irish Christmas Blessing

The light of the Christmas star to you. The warmth of home and hearth to you. The cheer and good will of friends to you. The hope of a childlike heart to you. The joy of a thousand angels to you. The love of the Son and God's peace to you.

As we approach the glorious celebration of the birth of Jesus, December 25th, we are reminded:

Believers are called to cooperate in building Christ's Kingdom. This was the message of John Paul II on the solemnity of Christ the King, November 23rd. And on this Sunday, the last of the Liturgical Year, "with the Apostle Paul, we acknowledge that God's plan is 'to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth' (Ephesians, 1:10)." Concluding, the Holy Father turned to Mary, whom we invoke as "Mother of the King" and "Queen of Heaven and Earth," so that through her intercession "our life" will be "a song of praise and fidelity to God."

In the United States, November 27th, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated - a time to 'praise God, Lord of our harvest'. The Bible mandates a time such as this in Leviticus 23. We are told - "Reap your harvest, you shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest…before the Lord." (Lev.23:10) and "This regulation is to be observed by all your descendants for all time to come." (Lev.23:14)

The first Sunday of Advent, November 30th, opened the new liturgical year. Advent is a time of preparation, a time to form our minds to celebrate the coming of Jesus in His birth and looking towards His Second Coming.

And thus we see the Lord has provided, through His Church, a guide for believers for all the days of all the Seasons of each year. As you live these days may every blessing of the Christ Child be showered upon you and those you hold dear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"Nothing should
frighten or grieve you.
Let not your heart be troubled. Am I, your Mother,
not here with you?"

"Nothing should
frighten or grieve you.
Let not your heart be troubled. Am I, your Mother,
not here with you?"

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