12.2.12 New Advent Season activity

Last night I put out our Advent wreath on the dining room table.  Advent is the beginning of  the liturgical year in our religion.  I have always liked this season of preparation in our church.  Today at mass, they were handing out these kits for families, and we have ours ready to go.

The kit came with straw and a brown, paper bag.  For each good deed or work of mercy, family members add straw to the manger, to prepare a warm bed for the Christ child.  Here's the description that came with the kit...

"Put Straw in the Manger"

Initiate a new family custom this season by preparing a warm manger for Baby Jesus.  The customer consists of having family members place a piece of straw in the manger every time they perform a good deed or a work of mercy.  There are plenty of opportunities to perform works of mercy...at home, in the neighborhood, at school, at work, and in our parish.  Whatever the work of mercy and wherever  it is performed, we know that the straw symbolizing our charity will provide a warm manger for Baby Jesus on Christmas morning.  then we will have continued Christ's loving action for those in need -sharing the warmth of the manger with others. "