Although we continue to journey towards Christmas during these Advent days, getting our homes ready for the great Feast can be symbolic of the deeper work of getting our hearts prepared. In that spirit, the Franciscan Sisters at Greenwood set aside the first morning of vacation to transform the convent. Just as Advent calls us to transform our everyday ploddings into a journey of hope, just so, take a look and see some of the before and after changes in the convent’s everyday surroundings.
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- Before…an empty hallway
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- After…a box-laden hallway
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- Before…a storeroom full of Christmas decorations
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- After…empty spaces where decorations have come out for the season
All the latent possibilities within the boxes and bins are being brought out into the light of day! Let’s start with the tree.
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- Before…here stands the tree, a clean canvas awaiting the artistry of Sisters Mary Ann and Elena.
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- Before…getting started can be the hardest part.
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- Before…is this a bird’s nest, or a tangle of lights?
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- During…is this the empty spot you see?
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- Almost there…this is really starting to look great!
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- After…O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches!
Many plain, ordinary nooks and crannies of our home and our life could do with a little light and grace for the season!
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- Before..a shiny, but bare shelf
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- After…the nativity scene in shimmery blue and silver
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- After…final touches set the scene that will greet visitors during this joyous season
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- Before…the foyer area greets guests with simplicity.
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- After…the Angel Gabriel greets Mary in a cloud of blue light.
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- Before…a functional shelf and display area in the living room
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- After…Francis’ love for the Mystery of the Incarnation is set in royal red and gold.
Windows and walls, though they let in the light and keep out the cold from day to day, do not merit much attention. With the right materials and a moment of time, these plain elements of a room take on new beauty.
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Even this room gets a Christmas flavor!
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- Before…plain old cupboards
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- During…This will look amazing!
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- After…lights, garland and a refrigerator topper are tasteful touches, don’t you think?
Our Advent days challenge us to make room in our hearts for the coming there of Jesus our King. May the beauty brought to our homes be a sign of the inner “decorating” we continue to do as the Feast of the Incarnations draws near.
