​Things are quite lovely around our Provincial House here as we continue to celebrate Christmas.  As you might expect for a Franciscan convent, manger scenes are quite prevalent here.  I got to help put up one on the second floor here.
 
As Franciscans, this Christmas is a special one for us as we mark the 80th anniversary of St. Francis’ first reenactment of the nativity scene at the town of Greccio at the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1223.  This allowed people to enter into what that experience must have been like. 
 
It is sometimes noted, even in our Constitutions, that St. Francis had great and special devotion to Jesus: “in the Crib, on the Cross, and in the Eucharist.”  
 
These pivotal aspects of our faith, especially as Franciscans, were beautifully depicted to us this Christmas in our chapel. 
 
Here, Sr. Mary Ruth and Sr. Susan Marie, made a lovely display which included a cross, the Baby Jesus and a chalice. 
 
As the new year approaches, may we rededicate ourselves to striving to grow in love for our Lord, who is so generous with us.  We would do well to make time to ponder on these three great mysteries with gratitude.

This morning, I got out of bed at the sound of my alarm and got ready for the day before heading down to chapel.  Since it was Saturday, we would use the small, Sacred Heart Chapel for Mass.  Before Mass, there would be Simple Exposition, where the tabernacle was opened and Jesus was visible.  
 
This would not be happening for a while yet, though, and so when I got to Chapel, I prayed the rosary, enjoying the dark stillness around me as I sat in His presence.  
 
I finished my formal prayers and, by this time, our Sister sacristan was preparing for Mass.  I got my missal ready for meditation on the day’s readings.  
 
I saw her light the candles by the tabernacle and prepare to open the door, kneeling for what I knew was soon to come.  
 
It was a treat being able to glance up at Jesus as I read and prayed with His Word.  When this form of Exposition takes place in our large chapel, I’m not able to see Him; I love the closeness of this smaller space where I have most of my private daily prayer time.  
 
At 8 a.m., we had Mass.  Father consecrated an extra large host to “refresh” the Blessed Sacrament ​in the luna.  When it came to Communion time, I received part of the same large Host which had been in the tabernacle earlier this morning.  
 
I was awed and grateful at the realization that the One whom I had adored and communed with during this recent time of adoration was now coming to me physically, entering my very being.  I really knew this already, but the logistical fact of receiving from the same Host illuminated this wondrous mystery for me today.
 
What an amazing gift!  
 
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas tomorrow night, I realize that this same One is also the newborn King whose birth we are anticipating in joyful hope.  
 
I would like to close with a simple, but beautiful prayer which we traditionally make in our community during these days of Advent.  I feel it fits with my musings this morning:
Jesus, Jesus, come to me; make my heart a crib for Thee

I’m sorry that it’s been so long since I’ve posted here.  Life gets busy and time gets away from a person!  
 
This past week, I worked close to 40 hours in the kitchen, filling in for one of the cooks who was out.  
​
During my time preparing meals, St. Martha and our Blessed Mother are always my special friends and intercessors.  I’m so grateful for their help which enabled me to make meals that people mostly enjoyed rather than starting a fire or putting cumin in my bread pudding again instead of cinnamon (that’s another story - you can ask me some time.).
 
This week, I made turkey rice bake; chili with twice baked potato casserole; corn and potato chowder soup served with calzones,  sloppy joes, green bean casserole, and cole slaw; sauerkraut, sausage, boiled potatoes and dumplings, and warmed up leftovers a couple of times.  We had several visitors, so it was a little bit of a challenge guessing how much food to make.  I was grateful this morning for the chance to sleep in a little and enjoy a slower-paced day.  
 
This evening, I went with Sr. Donna to see the Canadian Pacific’s “Holiday Train” as it made a stop in Hankinson with its colorful lights and musical entertainment.  We weren’t able to hear much as the streets were so crowded that there was no place to park and get out to watch.  When we got back home, I made popcorn for the young people attending Sr. Mary Ruth’s “Youth Night at the Convent.”  
 
I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but one thing on my list is practicing the organ for Sunday Mass.  Since it will be Gaudete Sunday, I tried to pick hymns with joyous undertones and cam up with: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” and “O Come Divine Messiah.”  
 
I hope and pray that your Advent, short as it is, is going well.  God bless you all!