Advent Prayers

The theme of the Advent season is joyous preparation, waiting and watching for the signs of grace, preparing for the birth of the Christ Child, and for the re-birth of the sun. 

The turning point of solstice is near- the light born out of the darkness- but it's only the very beginning, not anything complete. I can feel my own tiny inner growing- a flicker of compassion, a butterfly of creativity, a sprout of wisdom.

When I observe advent well, I find that I am now mostly prepared for this final week- my house is fairly clean, shopping is almost finished, and the cupboards are filled with delectable food. I need to complete only a few finishing touches.

I need also to keep my focus on the Spirit of Love that guides me.

Agenda Today:
1. Advent Prayers
2. Christmas Novena, day 3
3. Make Fizzing Bath Balls

1. Advent Prayers:

• Each morning as I wake, pause to take a slow breath, and center on Spirit. Stay in this gentle meditation as I get dressed, and move through my morning. 
• Sit every morning for a few minutes of silence. I like to sit by the heater as I drink my coffee, and simply practice feeling the presence of Love-- breath love in and send love out.
• Send prayers to others. Pray that God’s love and protection will reach out and surround my loved ones, and all the people of the world. 
• Listen for guidance.
• Remember to give thanks.

2. Christmas Novena, day 3:

From the Worldssps site:

In Communion with Refugees and Migrants-

Merciful God, we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life.  Though many of their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished.  May we never forget them, but honour their sacrifice with deeds more than words.  We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, enduring fear, uncertainty and humiliation, in order to reach a place of safety and hope.  Just as you never abandoned your Son as he was brought to a safe place by Mary and Joseph, so now be close to these, your sons and daughters, through your tenderness and protection.  In caring for them may we seek a world where none are forced to leave their home and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace.

Merciful God and Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centredness.  Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters.  May we share with them the blessings we have received from your hand, and recognize that together, as one human family, we are all migrants, journeying in hope to you, our true home, where every tear will be wiped away, where we will be at peace and safe in your embrace.

(Prayer of Pope Francis when he visited the refugees on Lesbos, on 16 April 2016)

3. Make Fizzing Bath Balls:

I am finishing up my Christmas shopping and gift-making, and I still need some stocking stuffers, so I'm going to make a supply of bath eggs (not bombs!) today. These are a lot of fun in a hot bath, and very soothing.

Supplies: Bowl, measuring cups, spoon, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup citric acid, 1/2 cup cornstarch, food color, essential oil, 1/4 cup sweet almond oil or coconut oil


1.  Combine 1 c. baking soda, 1/2 c. citric acid powder (I buy it bulk from a natural foods store), and 1/2 c. cornstarch into a bowl. Mix well and break up all lumps.

2. Add 10 or more drops of your chosen essential oil, and 10 or more drops of food coloring. Quicly stir and rub in with a spoon.

3. Add 1/4 c. sweet almond oil or coconut oil (I used coconut oil this time). Mix QUICKLY before it starts to fizz! Blend with your fingertips until color is even. It should have the consistency of damp sand, and easily press together into clumps. If the mixture is too dry, try adding more oil.

4. Squeeze mixture firmly into balls of any size- I made 6 medium sized balls and one small one. Leave to set for 24- 36 hours.