The first of the O Antiphons....O Sapientia

 Today begins the First of the O Antiphons


O Sapientia: “O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.” Isaiah had prophesied, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and his delight shall be the fear of the Lord.” (11:2-3), and “Wonderful is His counsel and great is His wisdom.” (28:29).

The “O Antiphons” refer to the seven antiphons that are recited (or chanted) preceding the Magnificat during Vespers of the Liturgy of the Hours. They cover the special period of Advent preparation known as the Octave before Christmas, Dec. 17-23, with Dec. 24 being Christmas Eve and Vespers for that evening being for the Christmas Vigil. 

The above is taken from an article by Fr. William Saunders entitled What are the O Antiphons

Throughout this season of Advent, I have been attending Mass more often, and purchasing an online gift here and there.  But I have not been attending parties, listening to Christmas music, or doing anything particularly Christmasy just yet.  We did pick out our tree last weekend. But we are storing it in the garage until this weekend when we will put it up.

Picking out a tree is always a fun family event!

Today was a big day for me, because I began my serious efforts into preparing my home for Christmas Day.  I began making a note on my web shop that I am in vacation mode.  Then I cleared out my Rosary Workshop/ Dining Room and moved all my supplies to the basement storage room.  (Some day that room will be my permanent workshop...but I have to get better lighting first!)  I washed my kitchen floor, vacuumed, did a little baking and general tidying up.  We brought boxes of Christmas decorations out of storage and moved furniture to accommodate our Christmas tree.  

Throughout this week, our house will become transformed with the Decking of the Halls and the smells of Christmas cookies.  I am rolling up my sleeves and ready to go at it!  And I must say, its a lot of hard work, but I am excited!  

Support Handmade during Advent

       Many of you may be thinking of decking your homes for the holidays.  I hope that begins with decking your homes for Advent.  And what better way to do that then by supporting home business during the Advent Season.  I have decided to post some lovely Advent finds here....

       First up is this Jesse Tree Project.  My sister, Teresa Zepeda coauthored a series of books with Laurie Navar Gill.  The series is entitled, Celebrating the Faith in the Home.  The book for Advent is called, Advent and Christmas for the Christian Family.  This book is a wonderful resource of prayers and projects.  I have always enjoyed the Jesse Tree project since it includes templates for ornaments, and the Biblical texts that go with it.  I have had mine for about 18 years!

DIY Advent Calendar Kit

But since Advent has begun,  you may want to rush to get going.  You could make your ornament every day with this similar Advent Calendar Kit .  This Etsy artist has used her own inspiration for these handmade ornaments.   I think it turns out very pretty.  (my own Jesse tree is 18 yrs old...and not so nice!)  If you need the assistance in collecting the materials for a Jesse Tree this is another option for you.  She also has a PDF Ornament Tutorial kit if you want it today.

             And now is a great time to get your Nativity Set in order.  Wouldn't it be great fun to get a set for your kids to paint!   Or if you are artist at heart, you may want to paint it yourself:)



White Porcelain Nativity Set -- unpainted  $35.99

This is an unpainted Nativity Set that you can purchase from an Etsy.  
          

I also have a particular fondness for the softness of a felted wool set.  Here is one that caught my eye...

Needle Felted Nativity Set ..$68.00


There are many Etsy artists who make wool felted pieces...so you could add to the set each year.  

    But of course, this post would not be complete without Advent wreath ideas.  There are many projects out there for making candles and paper wreathes for kids.   But like me, you may want a basic quality wreath.  And if you missed the Holiday Bazaar at your Parish, it is pretty difficult to find Advent candles and wreaths around town.  Here are some American home made online options....

Advent Beeswax Candles $8.50

Below is a very sturdy wreath.  I wish it included the greenery and ribbons.  I like ribbons:)

Quality Handmade Advent Wreath  $32.95

     So this is my plug for supporting Hand made as you celebrate Advent with your family.  Have a Holy Advent! 

     Remember....Jesus is the Reason for the Season!!

----Mary