Prayers & Devotions | Faith

During these last days of the Christmas liturgical season, some of our readers share their experiences.

by Good News Team | Source:

Patricia McClure writes

Years ago we started hanging a stocking just for Jesus by the family stockings over the fireplace.  On Christmas morning, no matter how old the children were, each of us would write an intention to offer as His gift on that special day.  The intention could be special prayers, a sacrifice, or a good deed.  

Each year these have been collected and placed in Christ stocking, becoming a living scrapbook of sorts. The beautiful part is as some have left and gone on to the religious life  we have instilled the same practice for that child.  We not only write our spiritual gifts for baby Jesus, but also for the missing family members who cannot be with us.  It is also fun to go back and  look at our offerings each Christmas.  Solidifying our intentions and purpose, to have a truly blessed Christmas.

Diane McManus writes
We've done this since our children were toddlers. Every Christmas we would set up the crib scene. We would put a small amount of straw in the crib. Then we would put a little basket of straw to the side.
 
Everytime someone did something nice, made a sacrifice or said a little prayer, we got to put another piece of straw in the manger "to keep Baby Jesus warm." Then, when Christmas arrived, we would get to see what we had done.
 
My fondest memories include seeing my children, running to the crib to add another piece of straw for the Baby. They are grown now and still attend Mass every Sunday and are devoted to the Roman Catholic Church.

Let's continue to live Christmas in our daily lives.