Advent

So, Advent has brought some changes to the Catholic Church. Our English version of the Roman Missal was re-translated. So now we have to relearn some of the phrasing in order to keep our new translation closer to the original Latin text. All in all I'm cool with it, but I have a hard time responding "and with your spirit" instead of the "and also with you" that I have been saying my whole life. Hopefully, it'll be second nature to me soon.

At my church, they give us little "assignments" during Advent and Lent. I forgot to post last week's...so I'll give you 2 assignments today!

1st Sunday of Advent: "Make gratitude a daily part of Advent. Begin Advent with thanksgiving. Advent spurs us to be grateful for all the ways the Spirit has touched us since last Christmas. Gratitude for all of creation, for family and for friendship. Make a list of all your blessings and thank God for each one."

2nd Sunday of Advent: "Try to get caught up in the wonder of the season. This week ponder the mystery of the Incarnation: God embraces all of human life, even dies on the cross, so that sin might be overcome and transformed into love. Stars, lights, songs, smells and even food are symbols of that deep wonder of the season. Take time to look at the stars, and lights, sing Christmas songs and be mindful of the smells that remind you of Christmas."

The assignments are simple enough. So far we are to practice gratitude and wonder. I can sooo do those! :)