church year and seasons | The Homely Hours

The ‘Great O’ Antiphons

Published by Bley

One of the things I love about the church year is that it offers a richness of historical tradition, and numerous ways of ruminating on Truth. The “Great O” Antiphons, as they are called, are additional verses added to the singing of the Magnificat during Advent, and they each elaborate on one of the “mysterious” names of Christ from Isaiah. Others have written about the history and significance of these verses much more eloquently than I, and I encourage you to read through these and enjoy praying them in the last few days before Christmas, as we reach a crescendo, imploring Him to “Come!”. The “Great O” Antiphons: December 16th: O Sapientia O Wisdom, who didst issue out of the mouth of the most High, and dost reach from one end of the world to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence. December 17th: O Adonai O Lord and ruler of the house of Israel, who didst appear to Moses in a burning bush, and didst …

Double Vision in Advent

Published by Amanda McGill

Advent historically splits our vision into two focal points in time: the first coming of Christ in the manger and His second coming in glory. For some reason, this dual vision unsettles me. And, it’s probably supposed to, in the wisdom of our forbearers. We are not allowed to only rejoice in the tiny baby in the manger, but we must grapple with the reality that this is also the one who died and rose again and will come again to judge both the quick and the dead.

Celebrating Saint Lucy’s Feast

Published by Bley

This year St. Nicholas and St. Lucy’s feast days fall on Sundays, which makes for a couple busy days! Use this printable crown and cards to help your children remember to let the light of Christ shine through them, as St. Lucy did.

Life of Mary Coloring Pages

Published by thehomelyhours

Now as I’ve embarked upon the road of motherhood myself, I continue to find peace and consolation in Mary’s journey of motherhood and the love she had for the God-child she carried in her womb, fed with her body, and loved with all her heart and soul.

Why the Church Year, Part 2

Published by Amanda McGill

Celebrating the Church Year as fully as I can is another way of wisdom that helps me to be “smaller” and tunes the music of my life to the hymn of all creation. By remembering saints’ days , I am reminded that I am surrounded by a chorus of “so great a cloud of witnesses,” — that the goal of life is not happiness or self-satisfaction, but the imitation of Christ. By participating in the seasons, I join in with the Church of God throughout history and submit my soul to the authority of the ages. I am guided in my devotion to Christ, following the tempo and notation of the masters.

Saint Nicholas Day: December 6th

Published by Bley

Saint Nicholas Day has come to be one of my favorite Advent traditions. It is a bright and celebratory spot in the waiting weeks of Advent, and it reminds us of a man of faith who loved, and brought joy to, children. There are many great resources about Saint Nicholas: Saint Nicholas Center – A site packed full of information on “the original Santa Claus,” with lots of information on Saint Nicholas, and ideas for activities, food, and other ways to celebrate. Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend – This story elaborates on the idea that Saint Nicholas’ good works and generosity all stemmed from his love for God. The Baker’s Dozen – My favorite St. Nicholas Day story, about a baker who learns to be generous and open-hearted the hard way. The illustrations in this book are stunning. In past years, we have done homemade gifts for all of our kid friends, and delivered them on Saint Nicholas Day, with a little note. Since we have a new baby in the house …

Why the Church Year?

Published by Amanda McGill

Most of our parish members grew up in non-liturgical Christian churches. So, for many of us, the historical church year was a compelling, but foreign concept. Our priest, Fr. Wayne, often says that it takes around 10 years for the church year to get in your bones, deeper in your yearly rhythm than the secular calendar. As we approach the beginning of a new church year with this Advent season, we want to consider a few reasons why in fact this is a wise practice, both godly and practical for our families. The human condition of living in time, enjoying change (at times!) and yet also needing permanence. C.S. Lewis, through the words of the demon Screwtape, states: “The humans live in time, and experience reality successively. To experience much of it, therefore, they must experience many different things; in other words, they must experience change. And since they need change, the Enemy [God] (being a hedonist at heart) has made change pleasurable to them, just as He has made eating pleasurable. But since He does …