Free printable Catholic Christian Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, Christmas crafts

Advent is the Catholic Christian season leading up to Christmas. In the weeks before Christmas, Catholics practice Advent values pf prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Each week focuses on hope, expectation and joy. Here are free printable advent calendars for kids to make, to guide Christmas devotions Free printable Catholic Christian Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, Christmas crafts

Free Advent O Antiphons Activities, Prayers, Printables

The O Antiphons (names for Jesus) begin the last week of Advent on December 17. Sorry I'm a day late with this. Each day a different title for Jesus is the focus. These ancient messianic titles are referenced in the Old Testament of the Bible. They can be found in the hymn "O Come Emmanuel." The titles are Emmanuel God with Us, Wisdom, Dayspring, Lord and Ruler, King of Kings, Root of Jesse, Key of David. These seven titles are listed in Latin and English. Advent tradition of praying the O Antiphons (names for Jesus) began in medieval times. Orthodox and some protestant churches pray them too. Here are printable prayer guides and coloring sheets to help children learn and pray the O Antiphons.   Advent O Antiphons Activities, Prayers, Printables

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Activities

December 12 marks the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Catholic liturgical calendar. The Blessed Mother, Mary Mother of God, appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec farmer at Tepeyac Hill in Mexico in 1531.

Following her apparition, millions converted to Christianity. We honor her as the Patroness of the Americas. The story of the Virgen de Guadalupe is one that appeals to many. Conversion has been thrust upon people by acts of imperialism (such irony). Tyranny, violence, holy wars (which should be called unholy wars) are anathema to the gospel.   Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Blessings to You

Free Printable Christmas Bible Story Coloring Pages for Advent

Psst--I've got a secret! Jesus is coming soon! Dec. 2, 2012 began the Catholic church new year and Advent. Yes, I know, Jesus was born some 2K years ago. But we Catholics and Orthodox Christians (and many other protestant Christian denominations) relive that most blessed event annually. We commemorate the birthday with a special season called Advent (that means "beginning" or "coming."). We believe that we need to open our hearts to Jesus and let him be born again there. We celebrate with generosity and good deeds. We practice virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We look for Jesus in everyone we meet. We live out Our Lord's command to "love one another as I have love you." To help kids get closer to Jesus and his Holy Family, here are free Christian Christmas printables. Use these to count down to the feast of Christmas. Let kids follow the penitential season advent and the Octave of Christmas and epiphany by coloring one page each night. 

Free Printable Thanksgiving Activities and Lesson Plans

As a former homeschool family, we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday as a natural lead-in to Advent. Thanksgiving activities connect well with Advent virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. I recently came across a website that is one of the most comprehensive and helpful internet resources that I've seen in five years writing online. If you need free printable Thanksgiving lesson plans, crafts, activities, recipes, games and resources, read on... read on

Free Printable Advent Countdown to Christmas Activities for Catholic Families, Homeschoolers

We homeschooled our four children for over 10 years. As a Catholic family, we set aside the month of December for advent activities. Advent begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and countdowns to the feast of Christmas. Here are countdown activities, including Advent calendars, crafts, devotions, Jesse Tree, prayers, kids almsgiving and family activities. read on

Free Printable Stations of the Cross and Rosary Stained Glass Coloring Pages

Free Printable Stations of the Cross and Rosary Stained Glass Coloring Pages The rosary and stations of the cross are often shown in stained glass on church window. They tell the story of Our Lord's passion. Here are free printable coloring pages of images from the rosary, made from stained glass window images. As we enter the major season of ordinary time, summer, now is a perfect time to prepare for the upcoming seasons of the Catholic liturgical calendar and holy days. Here are twenty-one free printable stained glass window style coloring pages. There are coloring pages featuring detailed, realistic coloring pages from stained glass windows. These 21 free printable images include the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the rosary. There are free printable images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus and other saints. The artwork on these coloring pages is taken directly from stained glass windows and is ornate and lovely. read on

Free Printable Advent Calendar Crafts Activities

Free Printable Advent Calendar Crafts Activities Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. During Advent we focus on prayer, fasting and alms giving in preparation for the Feast of Christmas. Many people use an Advent calendar to countdown to Christmas. Following an advent calendar is a good way to track spiritual and corporal works of mercy, too. Here are free printable advent calendars. Read More

Free Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments--Color,Cut, Paste Ornaments

Free Printable Jesse Tree Ornaments Coloring, Ornaments and Activities root shall spring up from the stump of Jesse's lineage'. This Bible passage foretells the birth of the Messiah. During Advent, symbols are hung on the Jesse Tree to represent the story of Jesus. For free printable Jesse Tree. free printable Jesse Tree ornaments

Free Printable Our Lady of Guadalupe Lesson Plans

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Lesson Plans, Celebration Guide
December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Roman Catholic liturgical year. Here are some lesson ideas to use, including crafts, devotions, recipes, foods, prayers and activities. Read More

Free Printable Advent Wreaths, Paper Coloring Crafts

Free Printable Advent Wreaths to Color, Cut and Paste During Advent, Christians light one candle on the Advent wreath. Each candle symbolizes hope, expectation, preparation and joy at the Birth of Christ on Christmas. Here are links to free printable Advent wreaths to color, cut and paste. free printable advent crafts

Free Printable Advent Wreath Devotions, Craft Projects

Free Printable Advent Wreath Devotions: History, Prayers, Crafts, Traditions Description of Advent Wreath practices, traditions, meaning, history and prayers. Multicultural, cross curricular lesson plans for Christian or catholic school or home school. free printable advent wreath devotions

Advent Devotions Week One: Expectation

Advent Week One: Expectation and the Human Condition I did a lot of creative writing when I was young. I wrote about life before I had much experience. I was naive and idealistic. Here's an advent musing from that time. Now I've lived more, but I'm still idealistic. I still have Advent hope and expectation. read more