Happy December
Each month of the calendar year is dedicated to a Catholic Devotion. In December it is the Immaculate Conception of Mary .This is because the Immaculate Conception falls on December 8th every year. It is important to note the Immaculate Conception is Mary’s conception in the womb of Her Mother, St. Anne. It does not refer to Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb. While both are conceived without sin, Jesus is God and therefore sinless and the privilege of His Birth is virginal and sinless. Mary’s unique as She is a creature, not the Creator but God preserved Her from sin, original and personal from the moment of Her conception. December 1st is also World Aids Awareness Day. In December we prepare all the more for Christmas Day. As we enter this festive time many networks offer Christmas programming. To count down to Christmas read a chapter of St. Luke’s Gospel every day starting December 1st through Christmas Eve. Another practice in accordance with the true meaning of Christmas is a reverse advent calendar. With this practice you put a donation in a box each day to deliver on Christmas. This could be for a food pantry, animal shelter or homeless shelter. During this festive season be sure to protect your mental health. As cliche as it may seem, a selfless and open heart is all that is needed for a “proper” Christmas. In 2024 we celebrate the 201st anniversary of “A Visit From St. Nicholas” as well as the 801st anniversary of the First Nativity Scene.
Each
month is also filled with much folklore and legend. As we approach the
end of the year and the holiday season, the Farmer's Almanac explains
some of these superstitions. Some of the following is also applied from
the book "Superstition" by Sally Coulthard. Superstitions and folklore
are fun to believe as long as we don't make idols to them and instead
see them as gifts for God's use.
Some cultures say it is good luck to blow a pinch of cinnamon in your doorway on the first of the month. Popular superstition says to say rabbits, rabbits or white rabbits first thing on the first of each month for luck.
Lunar Folklore
For more about this months dedications click here and here
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