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Advent Resources
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Advent Links
- About Advent
- Check your Connection, Dynamic Catholic
- Advent Short Video Reflections, Dynamic Catholic
- Advent: A Time of Waiting, Conversion and Hope
- Blessing of an Advent Wreath, USCCB
- Advent Calendar, USCCB
- Advent Examen
- Let Your Soul Shine, Advent Reflections with Matthew Kelly, Link to Sign Up for Email Reflections
- Blessing of a Christmas Manger, USCCB
- Blessing of a Christmas Tree, USCCB
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Advent in Pictures
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Watch Advent in 2 minutes then
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It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or is it?
We are are approaching the Second Week of Advent! How are you living out the Advent Season this year? Advent prepares us for Christmas. Perhaps this Advent and Christmas will look different then prior years due to the pandemic. Many of our plans and traditions will be disrupted and changed this year. The pandemic can be perceived as a compelling event requiring some direct response from us in so many new ways. Our response can open opportunities for us to grow by looking beyond the symptoms and re-focusing on issues of real importance. Has your faith and relationship with Jesus become more important?
Advent is about expectant waiting and preparing for the Lord in our hearts and in our world. It seems not just counter cultural, but almost impossible at times. In the Sunday Gospel of the Second Week of Advent, we hear,
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
How do we prepare the way of the Lord in our hearts and in our world? Advent should help us to do that. Just as John the Baptist’s message must of appeared counter cultural, so does the message of Advent in today’s anxious world. It’s not just counter cultural, but almost seems impossible at times.
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way.
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.”
We can look to Mary as an example to follow. Can you imagine what she felt as the Angel interrupted her busy life, separated her from her family and friends, and changed her plans for what she could not understand; yet, she said, “Yes!” Mary pondered through her expectant waiting of giving birth to Jesus and raising the child of God! Ponder the Gospel reading for Tuesday, December 8, as we celebrate the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Reflect on how you can bring Christ into this different world.
How we wait and prepare is a choice. We can prepare our hearts by praying. We can be waiting in traffic and pray; yes, pray for the person who cut you off too. Pray for those around you; everyone is carrying a burden of some sort. There are many prayer apps and websites! Our website has a section just with Advent resources and reflections. Seek the peace and joy that you encounter when you spend time with Jesus at a deeper and more personal level. It fills us with love and joy to share him with others. Ah, the stress is lifted! We might even find ourselves more joyful these days despite our circumstances. Who knows, God may choose to grab this fleeting moment to provide some surprising insight. All of this is possible while waiting.
Be watchful and creative in making time for the Lord in the midst of this different Advent and Christmas. Check out our new parish website for Advent resources to assist in your journey.
How has the pandemic opened up opportunities for you to focus on what is important? What opportunities has your response presented?
How will you spend your time waiting and anticipating this Advent?