Sleeping In

So funny...the last thing the older boys asked me last night before going to bed, "Mom, can we sleep in tomorrow morning?"  Of course, I told them we could...and they took full advantage of the situation...the slept in until after 9am.  Instead of taking advantage of the quiet...I slept in too!  This is a very rare treat in our house.

We then began another school day for Edward as we are all determined to have him finish his quarter also.  We took it slow but with a determined, focused pace...it was so wonderful to finally get to the last test and really be done with all the work for our second quarter..and more importantly...our Christmas break!

We also continued our Advent devotions.  Sean added fire to our nativity scene.  Just as we must respect fire for what it brings to our home, we should behave with grateful respect towards your parents and relatives.  Also, be grateful to God for the love He has shown us in becoming man.  So we ask, "Jesus, how can I return Your love; how can I show my gratitude to You?"

Our Bible reading came from Matthew...and once again Jesus tells that Elijah has come in the man of John the Baptist but no one will accept him as the prophet who would lead to the Messiah.  Only the Apostles seem to understand the message (Matthew 17:9-13).  Once, again we could say..."How could they miss this...it is so obvious!" but truth be told we often miss the message in our own lives. Do we recognize the signs given to us?

The Jesse Tree led us to an often forgotten prophet, Habakkuk.  He takes on the symbol of watchtower because he vowed to stand in watch for the message from God after the Israelites complain about the violence and wickedness of their enemy (2: 1).  Again, I cannot help but look at our own lives as we tend to wait for answers to prayers.  How often are our prayers answered but we do not like the message?  The Israelites were waiting for their promised anointed one.  We learn in our Bible readings from the last few days that the Messiah is present in their midst with all the signs pointing to Jesus, but know one likes the answer!  Do we pass up Jesus trying to match Him up with our own expectations?

When we were reading Jesus of Nazareth, we learned many interesting details.  Looking at the verse from Luke 2:6-7, we learn that there was no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph.  This seems to be the case for Jesus as we look ahead in the story and see that Jesus had no place to lay his head (John 1:11; Matthew 8:20).  Ratzinger point out that this is not because of the wrath of man but because we understand that Jesus is "outside of the realm of what is important and powerful in worldly terms."  This is true as Christians as well...we must rid our desires of this world in order to go on the right path to God.

Mary wrapping her child in swaddling (bandages) is a sign of his future as well...as Jesus will one day be wrapped in bandages at his death.  This image of a baby destined to die from birth for humanity.  This 'first-born" would be consecrated to the will of God...leading Him on a path to be the first among man to enter into a new creation...we would become his brethren through baptism.

All the children went to bed extra early tonight...only Henry and Zaira made it to 8pm!  WOW...sleeping in and then going to bed early!  I hope they are not going to be sick to start out our break!  Henry and Zaira worked on the puzzle a little longer and then went to sleep also.  Maybe everyone is anticipating the work we have for tomorrow!  I cannot wait to share.

Special blessings go out to DeDe and Don as we found their card in the mail today, we were so blessed to have such good friends...we miss you all so much!