The Ten Commandments of Christmas

At Mass this week we were given this...I had to share. Also yesterday I went to the most touching Christmas Concert ever. St Agnes Adult and Children's choir sang a medley of songs for Advent and Christmas. I got chills during some of them, the power and Majesty of music as prayer brings out the true Holy Spirit within your heart. Kayley, the girl I watched for many summers had a solo and she really has improved in her singing. I was honored to be asked to be her Confirmation sponsor when she is confirmed in October with Stephen. She said it so cute and was like "You took care of me when I was younger and you known me for a long time AND you really love God so I think you would be the person who would want to be my sponsor" She is a very simple 15.5 year old girl and I am touched that she thinks of me in that regard. Never loose site of the true meaning of Christmas...It is so not about the hype of gifts it is about you and yours sharing in Gods love that He sent His only Son down to save us and have eternal life. Blessings and Love...Stephie

1. Thou shalt prepare early. Don't wait until the last minute to get into the Christmas spirit.

2. Thou shalt keep Christ at the center of Christmas. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the commercialism of the season. Resolve to read one of the Gospels during December. Mediate upon what it means that Christ came into the world.

3. Thou shalt make Christmas a family time. Do things together: Decorate the tree, play games, bake cookies, shop, write cards, have devotionals, go caroling, attend church together.

4. Thou shalt remember those who are less fortunate. Contribute significantly to an organization serving the needs of others throughout the year. Give a Christmas gift to your church.

5. Thou shalt give thyself with every gift. Put some thought into the gifts you purchase. Give a gift that represents you. If possible, make something instead of buying something.

6. Thou shalt learn to be a good receiver. Many of us have trouble receiving graciously and gracefully.

7. Thou shalt put music into Christmas. Buy several Christmas CD's and play them again and again. Attend church choir cantatas and special Christmas programs. Sing carols with loved ones.

8. Thou shalt slow down. Remember: Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace, not hypertension.

9. Thou shalt remember to worship. The church is the place you are most likely to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.

10. Thou shalt receive Christ into thy life. Don't just talk about the Christ of Christmas, receive him into your life as Lord and Savior.