May our family be holy

 My gift from John arrived by the mailman yesterday.  I do not have our Lady from Megogorie, and so he gifted me with this beautiful image along with the hope that we will someday travel there on a pilgrimage.  Time will tell, but it is wonderful to have her in front of the Advent wreath as we prayed the office the last couple of days.  My house is empty with all my 40+ Marys and Jesus packed away for the big move. As John says - she is always reaching out to us in whatever way she appears to the poor and humble and small... many times children.

 John helped me with sugar cookies to decorate at Verly Christmas today.  Over and over I thank him for being here and making this Christmas special! 

 Winter arrived and thankfully we have bright sun and no wind today!  We are cleaned out and the cattle are bedded and comfortable in the clear cold of Minnesota winter.

 Pat clearing the way for Paul and Dave to come and help with bedding and feeding this morning. 

Many prayers for a wonderful time with Pat's mom this day as we gather in the Church basement.  It is so powerful to read the readings for today honoring the first Holy Family and their example of LOVE in the midst of difficulties they faced... on the road when giving birth, no room in the inn and giving birth in the stable, the life of Jesus threatened and having to go to Egypt.  Mary truly needed Joseph to love and protect her and her son, and of course, Jesus needed Mary to feed him and care for him as only a mother can!

 More work today with the snow.  Safe travels for all on the road today!

 The dogs greet Paul and David on this winters day- the Feast of the Holy Family!

This second reading bears sharing today;

Reading 2 Col 3:12-21

"Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged."

How this speaks to us all!

David in the snow under the snow bedecked trees...

Lord, this is the year of Mercy, and how prefect is that for this day of the Feast of the Holy Family!  We are asked to forgive that grievance with one another as we have been forgiven over and over by You my Lord!  May the fruits of the Spirit abound this day and always most especially in our domestic Church/family.  Jesus, we trust in you.  Amen and Hallelujah

Bless-bless, Barbara Luke

Danielle Rose - the Star of Bethlehem - the 3rd joyful - the Nativity

Danielle Rose - Holy Family