Tag: christmas

  • 5 Unique Nativity Characters From Around the World

    5 Unique Nativity Characters From Around the World

    We all know who was at the Nativity.

    Actually, let me correct that: We all know who we agree was at the Nativity. The Gospel accounts differ (Mark and John don’t mention it at all), but there are characters who traditionally appear in Nativity scenes at our churches and homes. There’s the Holy Family, obviously. Shepherds, sheep, a donkey, an ox. At least one angel. The Three Magi might be there, but they also might not appear until the Epiphany. (Of course, there’s also some contention about whether or not Jesus should appear in the manger before December 25, but let’s not get into that.) 

    Each of these characters tells us something about the meaning of Christmas and the impact of the Incarnation on human history. That’s why I find it fascinating that other cultures around the world sometimes choose to add new characters to this familiar scene. Just like the figures we’re used to seeing, these characters reveal important insights about the Nativity. 

    RELATED: The Netflix Children’s Movie That Draws Us in to Christ’s Nativity

    Learning about them has introduced me to new ways of contemplating the Christmas story, and deepened my appreciation for the global diversity of our faith. I would like to share some of them with you here, both to invite you to a new perspective and, perhaps, to inspire you to make some additions to your own Nativity set.

    The pastori (Italy): Naples, Italy, is famous for its detailed and populous Nativities, which place the birth of Christ among scenes from 18th century Italian country life. These scenes are filled with pastori (literally, “shepherds”), figures representing ordinary people: bakers, farmers, merchants, fishermen, barmaids, musicians, and others. Sometimes they are satirical or humorous, for instance, the dozing shepherd Benino, who misses the angel’s summons. But in all cases, they remind us that the sacred exists side-by-side with the mundane and that Christ was born among everyday, working people.

    The devil (Mexico): Probably the character you’d least expect to see at the Nativity! In many Mexican Nativities, the devil appears, often carrying an object of temptation (a bag of money, or a bottle of alcohol). Like a skull in a Renaissance painting, his presence reminds us that evil exists even alongside the joy of the Nativity. But it also calls to mind Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death. Sometimes the devil appears as an old man, standing by St. Joseph; in those cases, he is the tempter, trying to sow doubts about Jesus’ virgin birth and convince Joseph to abandon Mary. Joseph, of course, gives him the cold shoulder.

    Local wildlife (Worldwide): Different cultures will sometimes put their stamp on the Nativity by including local animals alongside (or in place of) the traditional donkey, ox, and sheep. There are indigenous North American Nativities featuring foxes, moose, and beavers, Southeast Asian Nativities with water buffalo and elephants, and African Nativities with zebras and lions (like this example, which also imagines the human characters wearing traditional local clothing). Like the animals we are used to seeing, these regional additions remind us of the humility of Christ’s birth and God’s love for all of creation. 

    RELATED: Recast Your Christmas Story

    The Caganer (Spain): In Catalan Nativities, you may notice a man clad in a white shirt and a floppy red peasant cap. Although, you’ll likely notice him because of what he’s doing: squatting and defecating on the ground. This is El Caganer (literally: “The Pooper”), a humorous figure popular in Spain and some other regions of Europe. He serves the same purpose as the Neapolitan pastori, illustrating how the Incarnation brings together the sacred and the profane. Sometimes our vision of Christmas becomes too sanitized, with its glowing beatific baby Jesus. The Caganer reminds us that Christ came into a world of dirt, mucus, mold, sweat, and, yes, poop. That same, messy world is where we still meet him today.

    Kneeling Santa (USA): In America, Christmas is often caught between the secular and the sacred, and no figure better embodies that dichotomy than the Kneeling Santa. These figures depict Santa Claus genuflecting before the manger, adoring the Christ Child. The website of the Catholic Company, which sells a variety of Kneeling Santa items, describes him as a “combination of American culture and tradition without sacrificing deeper religious reverence.” While it can seem a little goofy, there’s also something nice about this attempt at compromise in the Christmas culture war: respecting local traditions while still testifying to the spiritual heart of the season.

    What I appreciate most about all of these characters is that they help me see the Nativity from a new perspective. They remind me that, even in a story as ancient and familiar as the Incarnation, there is always more to discover.

  • ’A Christmas Carol’ Conversion: What Scrooge Teaches Us About Reconciliation

    ’A Christmas Carol’ Conversion: What Scrooge Teaches Us About Reconciliation

     

    Whether it’s the original novella by Charles Dickens or one of its many screen adaptations, “A Christmas Carol” is enshrined in my mind as a holiday staple. Why shouldn’t it be? Like the songs of the season remind us, Christmas is a time for telling “scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago.” That is what Dickens’ book is – a dramatic event filled with encounters with haunting spirits that, when all is said and done, convince Ebenezer Scrooge of the unrighteousness of his deeds and the need to turn his life around.

    Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s deceased business partner, visits him and kickstarts the series of events that lead to a change in the protagonist. Marley’s chains shaken so horrifically are a symbol of his sins. He reminds Scrooge that he, like us, has sin in his soul – a ponderous chain, but through repentance and change, Scrooge’s unhappy fate can be sponged away. Because this Christmas classic deals so acutely with morality, it is no surprise that we can find in Scrooge’s conversion allusions to Reconciliation. In this story, we witness Scrooge’s sorrow, desire to amend his life, and penance for his misdeeds.

    WATCH: Sacraments 101: Penance

    The parts of Reconciliation

    The Sacrament in which Jesus ordinarily forgives sins is commonly referred to as Confession, Reconciliation, or Penance. While the terms are often interchanged, they really refer to different steps we take in the Sacrament.

    Confession is what it sounds like: confessing your sins to God through the priest. There is power in naming and denouncing our vices, and God’s grace is working in us and strengthening us along the way.

    Next comes reconciliation, part of which entails being sorry for your sins. If you are not sorry for something, you admit there is nothing to forgive. If we have sorrow (contrition) for our sins, then the priest gives us absolution – God’s forgiveness. Even though the penitent is forgiven, they must still try to make amends for the sin. In an act of contrition before absolution, we express our sorrow for our sins and our intention to amend our lives and avoid future sin.

    Finally, we are given penance to do. Sometimes this will be reciting rote prayers. Other times, it could be some external activity. For example, when I was young, I was supposed to empty the dishwasher as penance for disobeying my parents. Another time, I was told to play the Wii with my brother because it was something he really enjoyed (though I not as much). Entering the confessional takes initiative, and penance takes effort.

    RELATED: 4 Gifts to Give One Another From ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

    The steps of Scrooge’s conversion

    At the beginning of Scrooge’s adventures, it’s clear that he does not desire this intervention of his own will. His associate, the late Jacob Marley, offers him hope to escape a doomed fate like his own: Scrooge will be haunted by a triad of spirits united in a single purpose – his conversion. At the outset, Scrooge is reluctant. But, as time goes on, he takes initiative and puts in the effort to externally express his reformed interior life.

    The first task of the spirits is to instill guilt or regret in Scrooge. The Ghost of Christmas Past shows Scrooge that he is selfish, that he let the desire for wealth dominate any charity in his life – even toward his lover. In his past, he chose greed over love and commitment. This wonderfully expresses how every sin is self-seeking at the expense of God and others.

    The Ghost of Christmas Present awakens Scrooge to the cold, harsh realities of poverty. When shown the home of his employee Bob Cratchit, Scrooge takes an interest in someone other than himself – the sickly Tiny Tim. The spirit reveals that unless the family’s means change, the boy will perish. A wave of sorrow washes over Scrooge, and the fact that he has a direct impact on this cuts him to the quick. Our actions, for good or ill, have consequences.

    It could be said that Scrooge is now in a state of contrition. His heart is being humbled and softened, ready to take on a new flame and vigor. But, if there was any question as to his resolve, the terror of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come makes Scrooge’s conversion a matter of personal, vested interest.

    RELATED: From Humbug to Humble: ‘A Christmas Carol’ Lives on

    As Marley’s chains and foreboding words alluded to, Scrooge’s fate is an unhappy one if he fails to amend his life. The final spirit shows our protagonist his grave, and that no one will mourn his death, leading Scrooge to a frenzied plea with the apparition that culminates in what could be considered an act of contrition if given in a sacramental context.

    “I am not the man I was. I will not be the man I must have been but for this intercourse,” cries Scrooge in the cemetery, glaring at his own name on a tombstone. “Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me by an altered life!” He proceeds to promise he will honor Christmas in his heart always and allow the three Christmas spirits to strive within him. Before waking to his new lease on life, he raises his hands “in a last prayer to have his fate reversed.”

    To some extent, Scrooge seems sorry for the misery he caused others. To an even greater extent, he was scared to death of a fate worse than fatality. Scrooge’s fear leading him to sorrow and repentance is akin to what is called imperfect contrition in Reconciliation. Imperfect contrition is the fear of punishment (the pains of hell) that our sins deserve. Perfect contrition is sorrow for sin out of love for God and recognizing that sin offends him. Yet, God can use our imperfect contrition to affect his Sacrament in us through the merits of Jesus, whose sacrifice supplies what our hearts lack in perfect contrition. Similarly, the imperfect contrition in Scrooge’s heart leads to a radical transformation for the better.

    Displaying contrition, Scrooge also revealed to the third spirit that his past life was in need of change and that he plans to change it. This is his confession, or admission of wrongdoing. For penance, he makes good on his word and avoids sinning in the future by treating others with charity and taking delight in bringing them joy. He chooses to live what is captured by the popular quote attributed to Mother Teresa: “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.”

    RELATED: Busted Halo’s Guide to Confession

    Reconciliation

    So can we say Scrooge is reconciled? Is he squared away with God? Well, the effort by Marley and the three spirits certainly offers hope that the future can be altered – just as Scrooge’s life could be altered. Dickens certainly wishes the readers to carry such a hope away with them. The beautiful thing about the Sacrament of Reconciliation is that we are given a guarantee of God’s forgiveness.

    If we are good to our word (to strive against temptations and to do our penance), we have a hope greater than Scrooge’s. We have God’s word for it: “Go in peace. Your sins are forgiven.”

  • O Antiphons: A Prayerful Homestretch to Christmas

    O Antiphons: A Prayerful Homestretch to Christmas

    “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is one of my favorite hymns, if not my all-time favorite. This hymn is ubiquitous with the Advent season and is heard in most Catholic churches in the United States at least once in the season. The words of this hymn, simultaneously wonderfully ancient and ever-new, are based on what is referred to as the “O Antiphons.” Now, maybe you already knew that, maybe you’ve heard of the “O Antiphons” before, or maybe you’re now wondering what an antiphon even is. Chances are though, you’ve heard this hymn and might have wondered where it came from.

    An antiphon is a short phrase or sentence that is used in liturgies like the Mass or Liturgy of the Hours. Antiphons serve as small refrains and often highlight a particular message or prayer of the season. In this case, the “O Antiphons” refer to the specific antiphons used in Vespers (evening prayer of Liturgy of the Hours) that go with reciting the Magnificat (Mary’s prayer of praise from Luke) from December 17 to 23. Together, these seven antiphons – all of which start with calling upon Jesus Christ with an exclamatory O, hence the name –  help to serve as a prayerful conclusion to Advent, a homestretch prayer on our way to Christmas.

    LISTEN: Father Dave Explains O Antiphons

    Structurally, each antiphon has two key parts. The first is a traditional title of Jesus Christ as the messiah, the one who was promised to come, such as Emmanuel, used by Gabriel in the Annunciation meaning “God with us.” These titles reflect how the prophets thought of the coming messiah and who he is. The second part of each antiphon is a reflection of that role by drawing upon the words of the prophet Isaiah. This portion helps to reflect on the mission and ministry of the messiah and how he would live out that particular title. For us as Christians, we use these prophetic titles and words to reflect on Jesus Christ, what he has done in history, and how he continues to act in our lives today.

    We can sit with these seven little phrases and draw upon their richness in helping us to know Jesus Christ as the wisdom of God, guiding us in our lives and actions. We too call upon Jesus Christ in a longing way as we look forward to and hope for his second coming. So just as the prophets longed for his first arrival, we too wait eagerly and look forward to his return in glory.

     

    December 17: O Sapientia

    O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet gentle care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

    O Wisdom, O Word of God! These ancient titles reflect God’s perfect knowledge and are titles given specifically to Jesus Christ. In the Book of Wisdom, wisdom is personified as existing before all time with God, and in relationship with the Father. In the original Greek of the Book of Wisdom, the word used for Wisdom is “Sophia” (which may ring bells of the Hagia Sophia or Holy Wisdom). Wisdom was depicted in feminine language as one who is gentle and caring. In the prologue of the Gospel of John, we hear how the Word was with God and was God (John 1:1). The Greek word used here is “Logos,” which, in addition to word, can also be translated as wisdom. Christ is this wisdom of God, the perfect knowledge of the divine, loving, and creative, made manifest in human life.

    Christ was present at the creation of the universe as the Son, the Wisdom, and the Word. Indeed, Christ was not passive in the creation, but was the very blueprint of creation itself. As Psalm 33:6 states: “By the Lord’s word the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host.” The world was made to reflect this Wisdom and Word, and humanity, made in God’s image, is called to look to Christ for the very way to live our lives. Christ is not distant from creation either, as this antiphon reminds us. Rather, he continues to govern and care for creation, remaining intimately connected and in relationship with all he has made.

    Through the goodness of the world that Christ created, he shows us the way to eternal life. We are a sacramental people, meaning that physical signs point us to the goodness of God and salvation. As we enter the final days of preparation for Christmas, may the bright decorations and the joyful celebrations with family and friends be a sign of God’s love and lead us deeper into knowing the Wisdom and Word made flesh.

     

    December 18: O Adonai

    O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: come, stretch out your mighty hand to set us free.

    Christ is not a new creation that was spontaneously generated on December 25 over 2000 years ago. Christ, as the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, has always and will always exist. The title used for Christ in this antiphon is Adonai, a Hebrew word for the Lord of all who is a good and just ruler, a giver of law.

    Even if they were not known in the moment, all three persons of the Trinity were present at the burning bush. The same Christ who would be held as an infant in Mary’s arms declared himself as “I am who I am” to Moses (Ex. 3:14). Our Lord and God, who is infinite and eternal, humbled himself to be held as a child to set us free.

    St. Paul writes of Christ coming under the law to free us from it. This is not to set us free from the moral and theological precepts, such as the Ten Commandments, but to free us from the law of sin and death. Christ is the author of true law, of the laws given to Moses, and ultimately, of the law of life. It is this same Christ who sets us free from the law of sin who gives us the laws of love and freedom. The same Christ who has acted in history to give the law and set us free continues to act in our lives with his mighty hand.

     

    December 19: O Radix Jesse

    O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

    O Flower, Christ, who is the sign of new life, flourishing, and beauty! In the dark of winter, the thought of a freshly bloomed, beautiful flower can bring us to a place of peace, warmth, and tranquility. In the difficulties of life, Christ is the flower that brings us to these same places. Christ, through sharing our humanity in the incarnation, knows our pains and struggles. He sees us in our times of need and comes to be with us, to hold and comfort us, to grant us hope and peace like the thought of a beautiful flower on a cold night.

    It’s interesting to note that “radix” is translated as “flower” in the English breviary when it actually means “root.” This reality of being both root, stem, and flower shows Christ’s presence throughout history. In the antiphon, it seems odd at first to call upon Christ, who in his human family is a descendant of Jesse, as the root of the stem. And yet, as God, Christ is the root, the beginning, of the family line. He has existed before the world and helped bring forth the family of Jesse and his son, King David. He is the source of their life, the root which draws in to care for them. And yet, Christ also steps into the world as their descendant. Christ humbles himself and is born from the stem of Jesse as a humble shepherd. This language is drawn from chapter 11 of Isaiah where the prophet states “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse” (v. 1) and “the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples” (v. 10).

    All nations will bow down in worship; all peoples are called to life with Christ. This humble flower blossoms not just for us as individuals, but for all peoples throughout the world and history. We share in the mission to bring all nations to Christ, to proclaim his love and his truth to the world. We ask Christ to remove all barriers between us and him so that he may come to help us just as he came to help the world at his birth. We share in this, too, by removing the barriers in the world between all peoples, so that we may live together in the love of Christ.

     

    December 20: O Clavis David

    O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, controlling at your will the gate of heaven: come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.

    O key of the royal family, open for us the treasury of your goodness. You have loosened our chains. You have given us the freedom of eternal life in your love. You, O God and Christ, have humbled yourself, as the one who opens the gates of heaven, to be given to Peter and your Church. In your love, you have made the path of salvation known to us and promised to be with us in our journey.

    By your incarnation, O Son of God, you came to give us freedom from death. By your paschal mystery, your death and resurrection, you lead us out of the dark valley of death and into eternal life. Death has no power over us any longer; you have trampled death by death. In your birth, we remember why you have come. We remember and look forward to the ultimate glory of your resurrection.

    As we look towards Christmas in just a few days, we can reflect in prayer on what Christ has freed us from in our lives. What shackles has Christ removed for us so that we can love God and neighbor more? We can also reflect on what barriers there are in our hearts to loving more deeply, and asking Christ to give us the grace to remove them. By the birth of Christ, we are invited to love God and neighbor with our whole heart and selves.

     

    December 21: O Oriens (Dawn of the East)

    O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

    O Radiant Dawn, how we long for the rising of the sun in the dark months – to feel the warmth on our faces. Knowing the shadow of death that looms over all of us, we long for the eternal light of God all the more. Christ is the light we long for and know in our lives and the Church. Christ’s light guides us in our steps and helps lead us to a life of love and discipleship. The child born in the manger is this sun, this great light of God’s love, who continues to walk with us and guide us. 

    In facing the cold and dark of injustice, separation, and pains of our world, we desire the sun of justice. We know that Christ not only brings justice to earth and rights wrongs, but that Christ is the true justice we seek. He calls us to follow him in this world, to share that justice. This justice is not harsh and punitive, but kind, patient, loving, and uniting. The prophet Malachi describes the rays of this sun as healing (Malachi 4:2). The warm rays of Christ heal our souls, warm our hearts, and guide our steps in justice. In welcoming these healing rays, Christ transforms us and sends us forth into the world to share that same light and warmth.

     

    December 22: O Rex Gentium

    O King of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart; O Keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.

    O King of the nations, you are the true ruler of all peoples and all creation. You call all peoples to yourself and call all of us to live together as your people. You rule not as a despot or tyrant, but as a loving servant who cares for the hearts of all. Truly, you bring us the joy that lasts forever, a joy that does not perish; you satisfy our every longing.

    O Christ, through you humanity was made, and through you, humanity is completed. You are the keystone of the arch of humanity. You have wonderfully made us in your image out of lowly dust and made us to share in your love forever. Our arch, however, is not complete without you. Only with you, O Christ, humanity is made whole and complete. In taking on human flesh as a lowly child in the manger, you bring the fullness of our true selves. You restore us and bring us to new life. Come, save us, bring us to eternal life, bring all of humanity to completion in and through your love.

    In looking to Christ as our King, we look to see how we emulate his kingship. At our baptisms, we are anointed as sharing in Christ’s roles as priest, prophet, and king. As ones who share in his kingly role and ministry, we lead in our lives and in our worlds. Whether that is as leaders in our families, our work, or any other aspect of our lives, it is a moment to reflect Christ in his role as our king, to be one who serves.

     

    December 23: O Emmanuel

    O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Savior of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

    O Emmanuel is our final antiphon and final evening prayer before Christmas begins. We find ourselves on the precipice of a great day and season of celebration. Knowing what is to come, we cry out to Jesus Christ; we cry out with titles that summarize all the other antiphons. We cry out, knowing that Christ alone will save us and set us free. This antiphon is short, knowing the light of Christmas dawn is coming soon.

    Emmanuel means “God is with us.” It’s an intimate reminder at the start of this antiphon that God is always near us. We remember the unique way that Christ walked among us at Christmas, but know that he is still always with us. He is the king and lawgiver, the one who rules over our lives and makes the laws that govern the world. Christ is not a distant ruler or a despot, but one who is close and in relationship with all of us.

    Christ is the desire of all nations, the savior of all. Christ came to the world and became like us in all things but sin so that we could be like him and share in eternal life. We cry out now, especially from the darkness of sin and separation in our lives, for the same Christ born in the manger to save us this day. We cry out to our God, our Lord, who loves us all, transforms us, and brings us everlasting life.

    As the Church prepares to celebrate Christmas starting with the vigil on Christmas Eve, we close out our reflections upon the “O Antiphons.” These short stanzas, these poetic lines drawing upon scripture, help us to prepare our hearts for the great celebration of Christmas and can guide us in our daily lives as Christians. We invite you to prayerfully recite each of these antiphons, taking a small pause between each one, as a final prayer of Advent. Reflect on where God has spoken to you in this season, and where God is leading you to share the joy of Christmas with others. May you have a wonderful, blessed, and merry Christmas!

  • Advent Reflection: Simple Devotional Practices to Bring Peace Amidst Holiday Fatigue

    Advent Reflection: Simple Devotional Practices to Bring Peace Amidst Holiday Fatigue

    It seems that every year, the unofficial start of the secular Christmas season creeps up earlier and earlier. Just after Halloween, my husband shared with me how one of his coworkers had already set up their tree and décor because they wanted to “get the most out of the season.” While I often feel the urge to blast my favorite Christmas tunes and pull out the cheerful decorations when I see neighbors and local businesses doing so, my Catholic instincts tell me otherwise. 

    The Church has given us the season of Advent to awaken ourselves to Christ’s coming and turn our minds from the world’s distractions. When I was younger, before Advent began, my parents encouraged my siblings and me to reflect on what spiritual gifts we could give to the Christ child on his birthday. Through their instruction and the Church’s guidance, I came to see Advent as a time to focus on spiritual treasures rather than earthly ones, helping me understand how these weeks leading up to Christmas are meant to gradually lead us to the birth of Christ. 

    RELATED: 10 Meaningful Advent Traditions to Try This Year

    Though it is difficult to refrain from merrymaking, and sometimes feels Scroogelike to resist, I’ve found great merit in celebrating the Advent season before Christmastide. While the world tells us to indulge in early celebration, the Church invites us to prepare during Advent.

    The Catechism urges us to gird ourselves with a spirit of anticipation, reminding us that, “The coming of God’s Son to earth is an event of such immensity that God willed to prepare for it over centuries” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 522). The Advent season stands apart as a time to recall the ache and hope of the world for a Savior and look forward to his second coming (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 524). There is a saying that goes, “The greater the fast, the greater the feast,” indicating that sacrifice bears meaning, allowing us to create space for the joy of redemption. By keeping the weeks before Christmas simple, prayerful, and full of hopeful longing, we bear witness to the magnificence of this feast. 

    If you have struggled this year to keep Advent quiet and preparatory, the season is not over. Here are a few ways you can still partake in the preparation during these final weeks.

    Pray the St. Andrew Novena

    While the St. Andrew Novena begins on the feast of St. Andrew, November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve, there’s no reason why you can’t jump into it right now. The beautiful prayer emphasizes the humble reality of Christ’s arrival into the world on a cold dark night in Bethlehem, inviting us to unite our personal petitions to the hour of Christ’s arrival. Here is a link to the full prayer, along with instructions on how to pray the novena. 

    Meditate on the O Antiphons 

    The O Antiphons are verses sung during vespers in the Liturgy of the Hours between Dec. 17 and Dec. 24. Each verse introduces a title of Christ, which can also be found in the well-known Advent Hymn, “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” They give voice to the longing for Christ which Advent ought to rouse, allowing us to declare our need for a Savior. If you don’t have access to the full Vesper prayers, pray and meditate on the O Antiphons themselves and consider singing the appropriate verse from “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” You can find the antiphons, along with relevant Scripture verses and suggestions for meditation here.  

    RELATED: Why I’m Fasting for Peace During Advent

    Fast before Christmas 

    While Lent is often seen as the liturgical season for fasting, the Church traditionally observed another 40-day fasting period beginning after Nov. 11, or Martinmas (the feast of St. Martin), to prepare for Christmastide. While fasting and abstinence aren’t required for Catholics during Advent, they are effective ways to create space in our hearts for Christ’s arrival at Christmas. Whether you choose to abstain from meat on certain days of the week, give up TV, social media or some other pleasure, disciplining our bodies alerts our spirits to Christ’s voice calling us to prepare room for him in our lives. 

    When I was young, one way my family celebrated Advent was to prepare a bed of straw for Jesus. Any time we made a personal sacrifice or did a good deed for another, we cut a piece of yellow yarn to place in the center of our Advent wreath so that by Christmas Eve, Jesus had a warm cradle of “straw” in which to rest. While there is no harm in attending holiday parties or tuning into some Christmas music, let us strive this Advent to embrace a spirit of anticipation rather than indulgence, so that we might fully enter into the joy of salvific redemption during the Christmas season. 

  • Visual Devotions: Crafting Meaningful Moments in Advent

    Visual Devotions: Crafting Meaningful Moments in Advent

    As a child, I always looked forward to the Advent season, those four weeks of anticipation leading up to Christmas. However, it wasn’t until my late 20s that I discovered the profound impact of incorporating art into my spiritual practice. 

    My journey with Advent art began unexpectedly when a friend invited me to an “Advent Art Night” at her church. Skeptical at first, I found myself deeply moved by the experience of creating a simple painting of an Advent wreath. The meditative act of applying brushstrokes while reflecting on the theme of hope showed me the value of creating a tangible piece of my faith through art. 

    RELATED: Praying With Your Eyes: How to Get Started With Visio Divina

    Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to engage in at least one Advent art project each year, finding that the creative process helps me connect more deeply with the season’s themes and prepare my heart for Christmas in a unique and meaningful way.

    By incorporating visual art into Advent devotions, individuals and communities can deepen their understanding of the season’s themes and enhance their overall experience. Here are some examples of project ideas themed around each week of the season.

    Hope

    1. Advent wreath painting: Create a watercolor or acrylic painting of an Advent wreath, focusing on the first candle representing hope. Use warm colors to symbolize the light of hope in the darkness. Check out these Advent wreath photos for inspiration.
    2. Hope jar: Decorate a glass jar and fill it with small slips of paper containing Bible verses about hope. Draw one each day for reflection. Check out this video for more ideas.
    3. Prophetic landscape: Paint or draw a landscape inspired by Isaiah’s prophecies of the Messiah’s coming, incorporating symbols of hope and renewal. Check out these ideas for this project.

    Peace

    1. Peace dove collage: Create a collage of a dove using torn paper from magazines or newspapers. Include words and phrases related to peace found in Advent Scriptures. Searching for these phrases will give you time to reflect on the overall Scripture and help you meditate on these topics!
    2. Jesse Tree with peaceful imagery: Adapt the traditional Jesse Tree project by focusing on images and symbols of peace. Use prints or paintings of biblical scenes, such as the Annunciation, the Nativity, or the Prodigal Son’s return, and add quotes or verses related to peace.
    3. Paper plate peace doves: Create paper plate doves with outstretched wings, symbolizing peace and hope. Hang the doves in a window or on a wall as a reminder of peace. 

    RELATED: How Artwork Opens My Eyes to God’s Handiwork 

    Joy

    1. Joyful nativity scene: Craft a mixed-media nativity scene using materials like fabric, paper, and found objects. Focus on expressing the joy of Christ’s birth through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions.
    2. Joy explosion: Create an abstract painting or drawing that visually represents an “explosion” of joy, using bright colors and energetic brush strokes or lines.
    3. Joyful song lyrics art: Choose lyrics from your favorite Christmas carol about joy and create typographic art featuring those words in creative fonts and colors.

    Love

    1. Heart-shaped Advent calendar: Design a heart-shaped Advent calendar using cardboard or foam board. Create 24 small pockets or doors, each containing a Scripture verse about God’s love or a small act of kindness to perform.
    2. Love mosaic: Create a mosaic using small pieces of colored paper, glass, or tile to form an image symbolizing God’s love, such as a heart or a cross.
    3. Love letter art: Write letters to friends or family members expressing love and gratitude, then decorate the envelopes with artistic designs before mailing them out.

    RELATED: Strengthening My Faith Through Creativity

    Advent Devotions

    To fully integrate art into your Advent experience, consider these approaches:

    1. Daily reflection: Spend time creating or reflecting on a piece of Advent-themed art. Use this time for prayer and meditation on the day’s Scriptures. Click for more Advent Devotional Resources.
    2. Family art time: Set aside time each week for family members to create Advent art together. Discuss the themes and scriptures as you work. Here are some additional ideas for Catholic Advent Crafts.
    3. Community art project: Organize a community-wide Advent project, like a collaborative mural or installation piece that grows throughout the season. Check out these resources to get you started.
    4. Art-based worship: Incorporate visual art into church services or small group gatherings. Use projected images, live art demonstrations, or displays of congregant-created artwork to enhance worship experiences. The Art of Advent has great seasonal prints and devotions for inspiration.

    Creating visual devotions for Advent can significantly enrich the season’s spiritual experience. By engaging in art projects that reflect Advent themes, individuals and communities can deepen their connection to the story of Christ’s coming and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas. As you engage with Advent art, remember that the goal is not perfection but rather a heartfelt expression of faith and anticipation of the coming of Christ.

  • Busted Halo’s Ultimate Catholic Gift Guide: 2024 Edition

    Busted Halo’s Ultimate Catholic Gift Guide: 2024 Edition

    The holiday season is here, and it’s time to spread some joy and faith-filled cheer! At Busted Halo, we’ve once again done the hard work for you by gathering the most delightful Catholic-inspired gifts of the year. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or looking to add a special something to your own wish list, our hand-picked selection is sure to please. Be sure to browse our past gift guides from 2023, 2022, and 2021 for even more great ideas!

    ‘Jesus the Good Shepherd’ Wooden Playset by Shining Light Dolls

    For the little lambs

    It’s never too early to introduce kids to the Rosary, and Chews Life’s Baby Teething Rosary is sure to soothe any dental or spiritual aches of the littlest saints-in-the-making. For the slightly older kiddos, Be a Heart’s DIY Rosary Making Kit is a great way to teach this important devotion. If you know of any little ones getting ready to join the Church, help them prepare with a Baptism Gift Set or keep them cozy with this handmade Saints Quilt. Want something that will keep your kids entertained while also encouraging their faith? Check out these Catholic Wood Block Sets from Shining Light Dolls or get them a doll version of Luce, the Vatican’s newest mascot, in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee!

    Fun for the family

    Looking to add more spiritual elements to your home? Catholic Family Crate offers this art collection bundle of 50 different prints to inspire your family. Each features artwork on the front, and a devotion or additional background information on the back. (Special bonus: Catholic Family Crate is offering Busted Halo readers 20% off their purchase with the code BUSTEDHALO24). For a more interactive gift, you can also try this Iconography jumble sheet or this “Read me When” jar of Bible verses to use when you’re in need of a faith-filled pick-me-up. If you’re looking for more creative ways to pray for your loved ones throughout the year, pick up these “Praying for You” greeting cards, or design your own prayer with a personalized prayer card!

    Habenero Hot Sauce by Monks

    For the faithful foodies

    For the discerning foodies in your life, why not get them treats made by men or women religious? Whether you opt for delicious cheesecakes baked by The Nuns of New Skete, Monks’ Bread by the Trappist monks of The Abbey of the Genesee, or hot sauce by monks of Subiaco Abbey, these gifts are sure to nourish both stomach and soul. For the Catholic caffeine addicts, try some of this Humble Habits coffee roasted by the monks at Holy Resurrection Monastery, which you can serve in this Saint “emergency contacts” mug!

    For the nostalgic

    Want to help someone unleash their inner child this Christmas? Your loved one might like an advanced Lego set like this Poinsettia bouquet! (After all, poinsettias are rich with Christian symbolism — the leaves represent the star of Bethlehem, the red leaves serve as a reminder of the blood of Christ, while the white leaves reflect Jesus’ purity). If you’re looking to introduce the younger generation to some true Christian classics, VeggieTales is offering this 25th-anniversary DVD collection.

    For the bibliophiles

    Need ideas for devoted readers? “The Mystics Would Like a Word” by Shannon K. Evans tells the story of six powerful mystic women like Teresa of Ávila and Thérèse of Lisieux. To learn more about nearly 400 iconic figures in the Church, check out Gary Jansen’s “Saints, Angels & Demons.” For those looking to learn more about the way God works through us, try Richard Leonard, SJ’s newest release, “Why God?” And for a unique take on Dorothy Day’s legacy,  this graphic novel tells the story her impact on the Church and peace and justice movements through stunning illustrations. To accompany these stimulating reads, get your favorite bookworm their own watercolor saint bookmark!

    For those looking to level up their faith

    Looking for a faith-inspired gift for the gamer in your life? Try Catholic games like Wanderlight or the trading card game, Redemption! If games aren’t what you’re looking for, these Saint Sprites hoodies and stickers are great for incorporating faith into gaming. Speaking of stickers, check out these Let Us Play stickers from our very own Fr. Evan that would look great decorating any gaming system – and be sure to check out his Twitch stream.

    For the Marys and Ruths

    ‘Mom Saints’ Print by LightBearer Designs

    For the devoted women in your life, these Qui Minimo Scapulars or Alta Gracia Pearl Rosary Bracelet are the perfect jewelry options. For another way to accessorize, Brick House in the City’s Catholic Satin Scarf or this Be Still and Know Tote from Share the Good News Co. are great for incorporating faith on-the-go. For the woman who does it all, pick up this Blessed is She planner to keep all her thoughts and plans organized throughout the liturgical year. And this Mom Saints watercolor print will serve as a reminder of the holy Catholic mothers she can look to for support.

    For the Matthews and Marks

    If you’ve know a gentleman in need of some faithful apparel, these AMDG crew socks from Ascension Press are sure to keep them cozy. For some more casual swag, check out this In the Shadows t-shirt from God’s Love Overcomes. If your husband, dad, brother, or friend is more into formalwear, these Catholic lapel pins from Sisters of Carmel are sure to please any dapper gent. For the man on the go, these leather toiletry kits, formed with prayer and care by OreMoose are the perfect mix of classy and useful. And for all the fathers out there, this Dad Saints watercolor print is sure to inspire!

    Ceramic Wall Altar by Be a Heart

    For the humble abode

    Know someone who loves to add prayerful touches to their home decor? This Kelly Latimore Icons 2025 Calendar is the perfect way to stay organized while meditating on where Christ might be present in our own backyards. For friends and family looking for decorations with saintly inspiration, these Letters to the Lord Calligraphy Prints are great to hang around the house. If you know someone looking to set up a designated prayer space, check out this Ceramic Wall Altar. Have someone in your life that loves the smell of church? Get them this Chrism Room Spray! Participate in an annual ornament exchange? This Nativity Ornament is the perfect way to remind people of the true spirit of the season.

    For those looking to give back

    If you’re looking to share the Christmas spirit in a meaningful way this season, consider donating to organizations like Palestine aid via Catholic Relief Services in the name of your friend or loved one. You can also make a child’s Christmas special by sending a Box of Joy via Cross Catholic Outreach. To support others who don’t have access to a Christmas feast, consider donating to God’s Love We Deliver Meal Service.

    From all of us here at Busted Halo, we hope you have a Merry Christmas with your loved ones!