Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray Thee and come; That, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
May we receive Thy mercy, O Lord, in the midst of Thy temple, that we may with becoming honor prepare for the approaching solemnities of our redemption.
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Have you ever seen this CD?
http://www.hemslojd.com/8909.html
Hi Jessica: You have been such a blessing to our family. Thank you for continuing your posts so consistently. I love the song book you have with Vien Vien Emmanuel. May ask what the title of the book is? Also, I have scoured the internet trying to find a pattern to make a Lucia Day dress for my daughter. I cannot find anything I would not have to alter. Can you tell me where you got the big girls dresses? Thank you for your time and my God bless your family this advent.
Lovely family pictures of your Advent wreath lighting!
So lovely, Jessica!
Beautiful!
No, I haven't! That looks really neat!
Thank you, Kristi!
The song book pictured is titled 36 Traditional Roman Catholic Hymns (in easy arrangements for the piano, compiled and arranged by Alan Jemison).
I purchased our copy from Emmanuel Books (I can't seem to open their website right now to get you a link) years ago, and it looks like Sacred Heart Books & Gifts also sells an updated version, with an accompanying CD.
where did you get the candles this year?
I bought them last year from Catholic Gifts, and I am not loving them… I wish the purple was as dark as it is in the picture. I really miss my Mount Angel Abbey Candles. I have one last set that I'm saving (hoarding – according to Sean) since it is such a short Advent this year. 🙂
I just realized that I forgot to answer your question about my girls Lucia Dresses. They are actually nightgowns that I purchased from Vision Forum, but it doesn't look like they are selling them anymore. 🙁
You might consider the Josefina nightgown from American Girl… My daughters have it as well. My only complaint is that it is somewhat see through. If you find anything, please let me know!
Why is Advent short? I got mine from a monastery in AL but not happy with them:(
Well, there are only two days in the 4th "week" this year, right? Sunday and Monday, with Christmas on Tuesday. Advent varies each year, from 22-28 days in length, and this year I think it is 23. That last week is going to go fast!
What don't you like about your candles? I wonder if that is the same place I got mine last year?
Oh, I am wanting to go up to Mount Angel Abbey and ask the monk to teach me how to make his, if I can't convince him to start again. I loved his candles so much!!
Oooo, I see….
My candles color faded fast and they do not burn well.
That was the same problem that I had with ours last year. If you ever find a great new source, please let me know! I've been looking at these as a possibility in the future.
I'm having difficulty with the link, here it is again: http://www.quickcandles.com/Shop-By-Color-s/1111.htm
Just beautiful!
What do you use for your family's readings? (I hope I'm not repeating a question someone else has already asked!) I've been searching for a book or booklet of simple advent devotions for my family to read each night – and especially on each Sunday as we light the wreath. But I think I must be looking in the wrong places…having a hard time finding anything that is geared for the whole family/children.
Wishing you & your family a Blessed first week of Advent! 🙂
Jessica, what kinds of lights do you have on the mantle? I love the way they showcase the prepare! Holly
j'aime tellement votre blog mon amie, votre vie est tellement merveilleuse, je viens me ressourcer sur votre blog à chaque fois ! J'espère que vous vous rappelez de moi ….. Que Dieu vous bénissent tous
amitiés de FRANCE,
marylin
Just an FYI, we use a white robe that we got from Oriental Trading that is really supposed to be an angel costume for Christmas plays. They have free shipping right now….just in case you can't get it from American Girl.
Great suggestion! I also just ran across some on ebay!
The lights that came on the garland that I usually put up there no longer work, so now it's just the garland (I may try and replace the lights) but my husband found this little set of three LED battery operated lights that we set up there for now.
I'm pretty sure Sean uses the "Handbook of Prayers" and his Missal. I think he said they were the only places he has been able to find the prayers. They are also in my "Celebrating the Faith in the Home" book, which we also use some years.
Thank you, Jessica! I picked up a copy of Celebrating after you posted about it recently…and we've been using those prayers 🙂 I guess I'm on the right track, lol! Blessings 🙂