Religious Education & Faith Life

Advent: A Time of Preparation and Joy

Before we enter the Christmas season, we enter a season of the Catholic Church called Advent. Advent is a special time in the Catholic Church, marked by a spirit of anticipation and hope. As we approach the season of Advent, we invite you to join us in preparing our hearts and homes for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

What is Advent?

Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th and is a time for us to reflect on the coming of Jesus into the world. The word “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival,” and during this season, we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and look forward to His second coming.

How to Celebrate Advent

Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Advent with your family:

1. Advent Wreath: Create an Advent wreath with four candles. Each Sunday, light a new candle and say a prayer together. The candles symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.

2. Daily Scripture Reading: Set aside time each day to read a passage from the Bible that tells the story of Jesus’ birth. Reflect on the meaning of these passages and how they apply to our lives today.

3. Acts of Kindness: Encourage your children to perform acts of kindness throughout Advent. This could be helping a neighbour, donating to a charity, or simply being kind to one another.

4. Advent Calendar: Use an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. Each day, open a door to reveal a small treat or a Bible verse.

5. Family Prayers: Spend time in prayer as a family. Thank God for His many blessings and ask for His guidance and grace during this holy season.

Heavenly Father,

As we journey through Advent, help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Your Son, Jesus.

May we be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love.

Guide us in our daily actions to reflect Your light in the world.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.