Advent Tradition: A Spiritual Christmas Crib

I love simple Advent traditions. Ones that bring peace of mind, a sense of anticipation, and also reminds me that Christmas is coming, not here. Every year, our chapel faithfully prints free copies of “A Spiritual Christmas Crib” by Rev. Frederic Nelson. I’d like to share with you those prayers and reflections that can help prepare your soul for Christmas.

There is one mini reflection, action, and prayer for each day until Christmas, starting on December 1. Here is Day 1:

DEC. 1 – THE STABLE

Frequently during the day offer your heart to the little Infant Jesus. Ask Him to make it His home.

–Sweet Jesus, take my heart and make it meek and pure.

So simple. Here is Day 2:

DEC. 2 – THE ROOF

See that the roof of the stable is in good condition, so that the Infant Jesus is protected from rain and snow. This you will do by carefully avoiding every uncharitable remark.

–Jesus, teach me to love my neighbor as myself.

The prep is easy as well: all you need to do is  DOWNLOAD and PRINT the daily reflections. Share them with friends, too!

Are you afraid you might miss a day? I’m SO excited to offer you daily reminder emails that will make your life much easier. I promise the emails will be short and sweet. Here is what Day 1’s email will look like:

 

December 1

 (Nativity Manger Scene shown is found on Etsy.)

 

That’s it! And as a SPECIAL BONUS, I will include sheet music and links to MP3 downloads or YouTube videos of the “O” Antiphons for December 17-24! Get your Advent wreath out, buy candles if you need them, and you’re well on your way to having your Advent preparations finished!

Sign up to receive daily reminders for December 1-24:

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(After you click Subscribe, check your email for the confirmation email, and please confirm your subscription. Thank you!)

May you have a peaceful, blessed Advent season!

P.S. You can purchase a beautiful set of the daily reminders at the Saint Benedict Center Online Religious Gift Shop. (These are the Sisters that taught me from 1st – 12th grade!) 🙂

 

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Bring Flowers of the Fairest

May CrowningWe sing Bring Flowers of the Fairest during May to crown Mary in our home. About ten years ago, I made a little crown from a wooden circle wrapped in white ribbon, with glued on paper flowers. Ever since, we’ve been welcoming May with a small ceremony that includes praying the Sub Tuum Praesidiumsinging Bring Flowers of the Fairest, and putting the homemade crown on Mary.  I look forward to this every year!

This devotional hymn was composed by Mary E. Walsh, and was first published in Wreath of Mary in 1871. She was a pupil of the Sisters of Nortre Dame, who compiled the Sunday School Hymn Book.

If you’d like to listen to a selection of Marian hymns, I made a Spotify playlist just for you!

Sheet Music and Audio

 

 

Lyrics

1. Bring flow’rs of the fairest,
Bring flow’rs of the rarest,
From garden and woodland
And hillside and vale;
Our full hearts are swelling,
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

2. Our voices ascending,
In harmony blending,
Oh! Thus may our hearts turn
Dear Mother, to thee;
Oh! Thus shall we prove thee
How truly we love thee,
How dark without Mary
Life’s journey would be.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

3. O Virgin most tender,
Our homage we render,
Thy love and protection,
Sweet Mother, to win;
In danger defend us,
In sorrow befriend us,
And shield our hearts
From contagion and sin.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

4. Of mothers the dearest,
Oh, wilt thou be nearest,
When life with temptation
Is darkly replete?
Forsake us, O never!
Our hearts be they ever
As Pure as the lilies
We lay at thy feet.

O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

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