Advent is a time of preparation and patience as we joyfully await the coming of the baby Jesus and prepare for Christ’s second coming. We light the first candle for Hope, the second candle for Peace and the third candle for JOY this week. I recall as a young child I learned from my pastor how to pray with JOY – Jesus first – “Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of you and help us to be like you”. Others second — “I pray for others close to me and those I do not know.” Finally Yourself – “I pray for me to grow in virtue and love.”
In anticipation of Christ’s coming, read Luke Chapter 2 and daily enter into learning more via Holy Heroes great resources.
You can also view this video of the Infancy narratives here: https://www.facebook.com/reginamateratx/videos/2236638863067750/
You can practice the O Antiphons starting on December 17.
What Are The O Antiphons? – Learning About A Catholic Advent Tradition
For little ones it can be challenging to wait (for older ones, too!) Practice patience through this Gift of Quiet for 3 minutes: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/27938/quiet-for-three-minutes
Prayer of Blessing for Your Advent Wreath
Lord, our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: He is Emmanuel, the hope of all people, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.
Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this Advent wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
We invite you to check back for more Advent resources.