The Christmas Advent season 2023 and the Christmas Octave 2023-2024 is completing. I take the time to reflect upon the significant days that take place within the season and the Octave. In-particular, I am proud to learn more about the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, sharing solemn reflection from the virtual Christmas Concerts. The beautiful Nativity of our Lord – Jesus Christ, Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and day, church mass-services.
The New Year’s Day ball drop celebrations that happen in New York is also known as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Where the church mass-services recognize as a holy day of obligation. It is also where I wondered how church bells could ring / chime, to also recognize the turning of the year at midnight, where I shared the following post upon x (twitter).
Through the days of the seasons as mentioned, there are of-course religious and traditional practices that reinforce the significances. I am especially reflective of the advent candle wreath, the wreath symbol, that is symbolic of eternity, and the love of Jesus as Eternal, never ending, forever and ever.
While as with any theory or teaching there is criticism, I appreciate that this is the doctrine of Jesus Christ. A teaching that is significant of Christ’s coming into the World, and among much more, preaching the love for humanity (Shaw, 1903, p. 2). To also note that humankind may come and go, but the Spiritual arms of love are ever-present, thus; the wreath symbol, hence: God’s Eternal Love.
We can also see how this symbol is connected to the Crown of Thorns. And the Crucifixion of Christ. As Life and the greatest sacrifice of death upon a cross, for the very humankind, one has desired and craved to love. As Christ’s birthday that comes through this knowing and broken-heartedness.
Through the Christmas Advent / Candle Wreath of 2023-24, I created wreaths as published previously. I continued the wreath theme for our Christmas meals and baking. I also included thanksgiving ingredients and our Thanksgiving Turkey gravy for our New Year’s Day 2024 meal.
I am truly grateful for our Christmas Lamb meal. Jesus Christ – the Messiah, is referred to as the Lamb of God, it is also the Lamb meal that Jesus institutionalized as part of the remembrance of Jesus, that is connected with Easter. The Pear Pie and shape reminds me of the 12 Days of Christmas Carol, and the Survivor Pear Tree of the 9/11 Memorial.
The pictures below are food items created for New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 2024.
I created Cranberry and Orange scones. The Scones dough is created as a circle and the cut into triangles, that reminded me of the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Spirit.
While we all have our own way of making the seasons and religious holidays / celebrations come to life, I appreciate traditions and try to keep with traditions where I am able to connect with the White House history. Thank you and Welcome.
God Bless You and God Bless America, amen.
Related Blog Posts:
- SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, 2024!
- WELCOME 2024.
- America’s Cedar Wreath.
- CHRISTMAS ADVENT SEASON 2023 – SOLEMN REFLECTIONS.
- ADVENT WREATH 2023!
- REFLECTIONS – OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
- 12/12/23. FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE.
- MY CHRISTMAS ADVENT CALENDAR 2023!
- CHRISTMAS ADVENT SEASON ARTS AND CRAFTS 2023 – MAKING WREATHS.
- CHRISTMAS DAY 2023!
- OUR CHRISTMAS ADVENT SEASON 2023.
Reference: Shaw, C. G. (1903). Jesus Christ and Eternal Life. The Biblical World, 22(6), 436–448. http://www.jstor.org/stable/3140807
- Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on January 2nd, 2024.
- All images of Christmas creations are my own
- Image 1 – created with canva.com
- Dedications: I would like to dedicate these words to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York and The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC. Thank you for your immense contributions for making Christmas Mass-Services possible on every day, and in every way possible. May God Bless You, amen. It is also on this day as January 3rd, 2024, the baby of Mary, Mother of God was named, Jesus Christ. As proclaimed by the angels. God Bless You.
With Love & Kindness! 🇺🇸❤️🎄
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 