St. Michael Catholic Church
Advent
One of the most beautiful and meaningful Christmas
traditions - the Advent Wreath - was born in Germany. Christians
gathered evergreen wreaths and lit fires during the long, cold winters
as symbols that light and warmth would be restored in the coming spring.
By the 16th century, both Catholics and Protestants in Germany were
keeping the tradition alive by using the advent wreath to signify Advent
hope in the light of Christ. The practice eventually spread to many
parts of the Christian world.
The wreath is composed of 4 candles in a circle of evergreens, with
three candles being violet and the fourth a rose color. It is also
permissible to use 4 white or 4 violet candles. The first week of
Advent, one candle is lit each day at home, usually before an evening
meal. Each succeeding week, a candle is lit until December 25. The usual
time to light the rose candle is the third Sunday in Advent. The
lighting may be accompanied by a short prayer.
Daily Prayers for Lighting the Advent Wreath
First Week
O Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, desire of every nation, Savior of all peoples,
come and dwell among us.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING ADVENT 2007
Our annual “Angel Tree” is in the rear of the church this weekend.
Please take a tag from the tree and purchase a gift for someone less
fortunate and become a Christmas Angel to someone special. The gift must
be returned by Sunday, December 16. (Please note the extended date.)
A Place of Peace Festival for Amelia Island begins Monday, Dec. 3
through Friday, Dec. 7. There are suggested activities during that
entire week beginning with a candlelight procession at St. Michael
Church at 6pm, concluding at the Welcome Center for a Christmas concert.
Open to the Public - Come to One - Come to All. For more info and a
complete schedule of events, call 904-206-4140 or online
www.placeofpeacefestival.org.
Adult Faith and Spirituality
Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. Our theme is:
“Rekindling Christmas’ Peace, Love and Light.” For more information,
please call Sr. Bridie, 321-2443. All are invited.
The Living Nativity
Once again the high school Youth, Religious Ed classes , Academy
students and Catechists will present the Living Nativity on Sunday, Dec.
16 immediately following the 12:00 noon mass. All parishioners are
invited to attend this beautiful presentation of the Holy Family, music
and prayer. Hot chocolate and goodies will be served afterwards in the
parish hall.
The Advent Penance Service will be Wednesday, December 19 at 7:00 pm.
What Do You Want To Do This Advent That Will Make Christ The Center Of Your Home And Family Life
1. Light an advent candle and pray at every meal - be more aware of
Christ’s presence in your home and family. Pray for Christ’s light in
those loved ones not there.
2. Light a candle at night prayer time - teach children that Christ
comes to you even in the darkness. Let children pass the candle around
as they say their prayers - see Christ in each other.
3. An Advent Wreath - prayer each week, make Sunday special.
4. Plan a family outreach activity to the poor.
5. Share the Word - read the scripture before the weekend mass - ask
your children what the scripture means to them. See Christ’s love in the
Word of God.
6. Simply your Christmas spending - make relationships a priority - be
present instead of buying presents.
7. Face your own reality with God’s grace. (A) Financial - budget -
don’t overspend - plan ahead. (B) Emotional - talk about and deal with
your own feelings about holiday “Busy-ness.” ©) Social - limit your
activities away from home. (D) Spiritual - slow down and listen to God’s
word and God’s presence in your daily life.
8. Attend the Parish Sacrament of Reconciliation. Receive God’s grace and strength to be a more loving
person and peaceful family.