Third Sunday of Advent

We have made it through the second week of advent, and now the excitement is really growing! Unfortunately, excitement can often turn into feelings of pressure, worry, loneliness, disappointment, or frayed nerves.

This is a good time to give extra attention to the importance of friends and family, and find ways to support and comfort each other.

Agenda:
1. Journal:
Am I paying enough attention to each member of my family?
Am I including them in advent in ways that they enjoy?
How can I connect better to my friends this week?

2. Advent wreath ceremony:

Tonight (and every night this week) we will light three advent candles, and recite three prayers:

"We light the first candle for the earth, which sustains us. May we cherish and care for it."

"We light the second candle for all the people of the world. May we find unity and peace."

"We light the third candle for our family and the joy and love we bring each other."

3. Plan activities:

Christmas past

I remember many joyful moments with my family in advents past- shopping together, writing cards, making cookies, putting up the tree, making gifts, or watching Christmas shows. Now that my kids are grown and (mostly) on their own, I find advent sometimes feels like a one woman show. 


Also, our main celebration will be in another town this year, so some of my usual preparations and decorations seem unnecessary.

I had a talk with the men folk to find out what they want most. Now I need to look at each activity and project, decide whether I want to do it alone; or if I can reasonably negotiate help from my family or friends; or whether I want to let go of it for this year. Then I will relax and let the love work to create moments of closeness.

Things to do this week to open to joy and love:

• Take care of myself so I can be calm and present for the spontaneous joy when it arises.
• Take the time to consider what others- friends and family- want most this season. In other words, become less self-focused and more generous in all ways. 
• Be respectful, patient, and kind (no matter how stressed  I feel).