The few weeks leading up to Christmas give us time to think about the spiritual meaning of Christ’s birth. These are weeks to make preparations in your heart and for your hearth.

You could begin by laying out an advent wreath on the dining room table or a side table. Make room by putting the usual knickknacks away for the holidays. I like to use this time to give away what I don’t really need or use any longer.

In the center of your wreath set up candles to burn the four Sundays preceding Christmas, and place a fancier candle in the center for Christmas Day - I like either a tall thick red candle or a decorated candle large enough to burn all day.

Burning candles each of the four Sundays reminds me that the light of the world will again be centered in our hearts and thoughts. If you have a tendency to slip away from meditation and spiritual practices over the course of the year, this is a joyous time to renew your devotion.

I love burning all my candles down on Christmas Day, the remainders from the four Sundays and the special Christmas candle. If it is available surround your wreath with evergreens and change as necessary to keep them fresh. Some lay them in a shallow bowl of water like we provide for the Christmas tree.

Before going to sleep each night of Advent spend time in a meditation on the birth of Christ and what it means to you. Is it a renewal of kindness in your heart and actions with others? Is this your time to align with other virtues that will uplift you into daily harmony?

Close your meditation with a little Advent prayer:

Come to me sweet holy babe
Make a cradle in my heart
I will cherish you each day
While learning lessons you impart.

I invite you to join me in a world-wide cyber meditation every day of the year. Click here to read about it.

Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults by Susan Kramer
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 116 pages.

Advent article, prayer and photo of greenery for Advent wreath by Susan Helene Kramer

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Prayer in memory of my dear friend, Nancy C. Kaehler (June 30, 1931 - October 20, 2010)