Today December 8th is traditionally Mary’s Feast Day. In years back along it marked the official countdown to Christmas. But in recent years it has been swamped by Black Friday and a much earlier run in to Christmas. The celebration of the 2nd Sunday of Advent this year has taken priority over Mary’s feast day. But my approach is to go the hybrid route, celebrate both!
Video for the week🎥
Last Friday December 6th was the feast of Saint Nicholas and where the story of the real Santa began. The following is my latest video to mark this special man❤️❤️
We are beginning the second week of Advent and so this Advent video is most appropriate. Each year I make a wreath using bike tyres and it’s simply called ‘A ‘wheelie’ different Advent Wreath’
The video below is a recent video and it is called ‘One Snow Story’. An unexpected snowfall made sure I got out and about, to create the story with a few reflective thoughts. If you would like to see a selection of my other videos on Youtube you can click this link here. https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMcSweeneyFr/videos
Spiritual Thought For The Week
We have just begun our journey into Advent. Each year Advent can get lost with many other activities taking place. Advent often gets squished and squashed. But the story of Advent is still an attractive one and I would also say necessary and important. It is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is a season of hope and looking forward.
In a months time we will begin our journey into 2025. Pope Francis has called it a Jubilee Year. The theme he has picked for the coming year Is ‘Hope does not disappoint’
It is a really good theme because we need to be people of hope. Without hope we have nothing and if you had just one word to sum up Advent it would of course be hope.
We all look for meaning and fulfilment in life. We crave for stillness, quiet time and quality time for ourselves but seldom find it. Advent allows us to be grateful for the good things in our life.
That is why Advent is never forced but always invites. We are invited to personalise the coming weeks. Give yourself some time. The hectic pace of the next few weeks do not encourage gentleness. But be gentle with yourself.
Advent is also a time of reflection. What is the biggest darkness in your life at the moment? Who or what might bring you a sense of light and hope in your life?
My wish and prayer for you this morning as we begin this season of Advent, is that you will find a sense of hope, light and new beginnings in your life as we gently journey towards Christmas.
