While I was out running a few errands and getting groceries, my four-year-old was amazed to see all of the Christmas decorations already filling the shelves. Aisles of trees lit up, ornaments, Santa décor, and the wrapping and bows. Although I feel like I have come to expect the holiday materialism starting earlier and earlier every year, now beginning well before Halloween, my daughter, on the other hand, was a bit confused, asking me if it was still Fall or if it was almost Christmas.
We can’t necessarily avoid the bombardment of commercialism. But in the midst of what the culture tells us Christmas is or what we must have or do to make the season magical, we can choose the culture in our homes. We can choose how to reflect the truth of the season to our children, extended family, and to all those who enter our homes during the holy season.
When we walk into a beautiful Cathedral, our hearts and minds are lifted to the transcendent because of the stunning art we see: the stained glass, the statues, the paintings, the murals. Similarly, we can transform our homes into domestic churches by displaying art, crucifixes, and statues throughout our house, reminding us of the Divine throughout the day.
A beautiful form of prayer to perhaps adapt as a family during Advent is Visio Divina, similar to Lectio Divina, where we meditate on the words of Scripture and how the Holy Spirit is speaking to us. Visio Divina is an ancient practice of praying and meditating upon sacred art.
As we enter into this festive season, maybe it isn’t an elf on the shelf we display, but a nativity scene or a picture of Mary and the Christ Child. Displaying sacred art in our homes, setting up nativity scenes, and singing happy birthday to Baby Jesus are just a few ways that our own domestic church can reflect the holy season. A celebration of God becoming man, the Incarnation, is not just one day, but an octave and an entire season to reflect on this great mystery and incredible gift.
TODAY ONLY, during the Join the Family Pledge Drive, when you make a gift of $365, you will receive the Get on Board the “Mercy Train” book, plus a beautiful Relevant Radio Keepsake Box featuring the stunning image of the Madonna and Child by Sandro Botticelli. An image showing the tender depiction of Mary and the Christ Child, drawing our attention to both the humanity of the Holy Family and the divine mystery of the Incarnation. “Of all the renowned Renaissance masters, Sandro Botticelli allowed divinity to shine through our humanity," said Fr. Rocky.
The Keepsake Box is the perfect reminder during the Advent and Christmas seasons of Christ becoming flesh and one to carry with you during the entire year, remembering Our Lady’s intercession. It is the perfect size to keep a rosary, a prayer intention, and to carry in your purse or pocket. This Keepsake Box is a wonderful way to pass on the Faith during the Christmas season as a gift to a child, grandchild, or godchild.
