Animals, Advent, and the O Antiphons
There are at least two things I love to do in Advent. One is to pray the O Antiphons, and the other is to visit at least one of venues near me that has an international nativity display. The O Antiphons always help to ground me through the close of Advent. They keep me focused on the true meaning of Christmas - the coming of Christ - through the hubbub of preparations and celebrations that, while wonderful and rewarding in their own ways, are nevertheless a distraction from the hope of the season. The international nativity displays always fascinate me. I love to see how different cultures around the world have interpreted the nativity story. I especially love the ones that are set, not in the ancient middle east, but in the culture that created the nativity. It reminds us, I think, that Christ came not just once, long ago, but comes to each of us every day, right where and as we are, if only we will let Him. I love to see the different material...