"The evergreen boughs from our Redwood trees represent the undying eternal life of God, the life available to us.  The candle light serves to remind us that God has leaped down from heaven to enlighten our darkness.  Let us remember in our prayers the whole world our God has made and has come to redeem.  And as we come together as a family, let us pray for each other and let our preparation for Christmas be an offering for those who do not know the Lord Jesus, that they will draw close to Him."

~ Taken from the Prayer of Blessing of the Advent Wreath ~

The monks of New Clairvaux have much to give thanks for during this past year:  Early in January this year, our postulant, Brother Luis, received the white habit of a Trappist-Cistercian novice.  In August, our novice, Brother Guerric, received the black scapular and leather cincture as he professed his monastic vows.  In October, our dear old Brother Regis offered his final thanksgiving and was received into the arms of our Creator.  Finally, our walnut and prune orchards and our vineyard continue to produce healthy crops for the harvest.  Now as the weather turns cooler, we witness the leaves fade from green to yellow, red and orange, and fall to the ground to create golden brown pathways.  We will continue to marvel at the Lord's creation where the cycles of life and death come as natural as the change in seasons.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

For monks within the Cistercian and Benedictine tradition, the chanting of the psalms throughout the day take a central place in our communal prayer.  This year, we have invited Father Konrad Schaefer, a Benedictine monk and prior of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels in Cuernavaca, Mexico, to direct our community retreat.  Father Konrad will guide us in a series of reflections on the Book of Psalms throughout this week.  Join us in prayer that the Spirit may move us and our world into a greater contemplation of God as we continue to sing His praise!