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A reader of our monthly family mini-magazine Take Out lamented that popular magazines’ frequent talk about the stress and anxiety of the Christmas season, and the fact that most people can't wait for the holiday season to be over.
Sadly, for many Christians and non-Christians, Christmas is over on December 26. (Last year, I saw a Christmas tree out on the curb ready for recycling on Christmas night!) Our reader went on to say how great it would be if everyone could focus on the Incarnation, God becoming flesh in Jesus. How great it would be indeed! Catholics are called to be counter-cultural by celebrating the Christmas season through the Epiphany. One way we can do this is by proudly keeping our Christmas decorations on display through January 6 without feeling like we are the talk of the neighborhood for being lazy. Explain to the children that Christmas is more than just one day but rather a festive season! Even after January 6, we can still celebrate the Birth of our Savior, who is present each day when we love and serve one another. All of us at OSV wish you a very happy and blessed New Year.
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Have an idea? Email me at ddziena@osv.com.
Feature Article: Parents play a big role in guiding children's web use. Read our article from the 12/21/08 edition of OSV Newsweekly»
Activity One (Grades K-5): Solemnity of Blessed Virgin Mary activities (PDF download)»
Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): From OSV Newsweekly, read and discuss the In Focus section: Year in Review»
Teacher Pattern: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton activity (PDF download)»
Soul Food for Teachers: "I Am the New Year," article from Take Out»
Cathechist Know-how: "Solemnity of Mary" by Mary Lou Rosien»
Gracious and loving God, we come to you in humble prayer for the United States of America. Bless our President. Give him wisdom and strength to serve the American people and lead our country in ways that are pleasing to you. Bless our Congress. Instill in them knowledge and understanding to enact laws that protect the sanctity of life — from the unborn to the elderly; and promote the good of all people. Bless the people of the United States. Make us aware of our responsibility as citizens to uphold the principles of life, liberty, justice, and equality. Send your Holy Spirit upon our beloved country. Make us people of faith in time of uncertainty. Make us people of hope in times of trouble. Make us people of compassion with those who are less fortunate. Make us people of peace in our homes, our communities, our country, and our world. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
(This prayer appears on a new prayer card from Our Sunday Visitor. Request a free one by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Prayer for the Nation Card, Our Sunday Visitor Publishing Division, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, IN 46750.)
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