A Nativity Advent-ure
The slips have been drawn, and this year's cast of characters have been assembled.
Every year, for the past several years, our family has endeavored to emulate the virtues displayed by the various "characters" of the Nativity of our Lord. Slips of paper containing the names and virtues of each are folded and placed in a hat.
The toughest role? Definitely the Blessed Virgin Mary. My son, Gawain, was most anxious to be Mary because he says "it's easier to be good." Ouch. I've often dreaded drawing that particular slip because of the high standards expected of Our Lady!
Emily, on the other hand would only be satisfied if she could be the Christmas Star, because she "wants to be the leader...(sniff, sniff)
I, on the other hand, have managed to draw every single year without fail the "donkey." Docile, humble beast of burden...bearing all things patiently. sigh....
Nonetheless, these are the slips as they were drawn:
The Christmas Star: Mom
Virtues: Provide a steady light to guide the weary pilgrims. A source of guidance and illumination
The Angel: Gareth
Virtues: Proclaims the "tidings of great joy". A source of inspiration. Obedient to the will of God.
Blessed Virgin: Gawain
Virtues: Meek, humble, modest and pure. Full and complete obedience to God. Holiness.
St. Joseph: Galahad
Virtues: Humility, leadership and humble trust in God. Chastity and patience
The Shepherd: Arthur
Virtues: Leadership. Listens to God. Kindness to the "lambs." Goodness.
The Lambs (2): Emily and Clementine
Virtues: Docility, innocence, obedience and trust.
The Ox: Dad
Virtues: Hardwork and diligence. Patience and sacrifice.
The Donkey: Charlotte
Virtues: Humility and docility. Patiently bears the burdens of others
I'll keep you posted on our progress...this is one of our favorite Advent-ures!
6 comments:
How wonderful. I have tagged you over at my blog:
viking-vocation.blogspot.com
I awarded you with an Mathetes as well, but I see you already have one.
Did you make this up? This is a wonderful idea!
What a terrific idea!! I would be afraid to get the Blessed Mother's name too :-)
Viking:
I am honored, nonetheless. Just checked out your blog, hope to give it a more thorough perusal! Thank you for your kind words!
Allison:
This idea originated in the CHC publication A Year With God. My version is a little different, but the general idea is the same. It is an excellent preparation for the Christmas season and really gets the young ones in the proper mind-set. We also complete a daily accounting, listing virtues accomplished and sacrifices made that day. These "accounts" are written on slips of colored or white paper and fastened into a continually "growing" paper chain. The children enjoy seeing just how long the chain can get.
Thank you Kimberly, I'm not a very active blogger, but I post from time to time
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