Advent is a beautiful season of preparation and anticipation for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It's a time to deepen our faith and bring our families closer together. Here are five activities to help strengthen your family's faith during this Advent season.
1. Daily Advent Devotional
A daily Advent devotional is a wonderful way to gather the family and focus on the true meaning of the season. These devotionals often include daily Bible readings and reflections that prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus. They can be a source of inspiration and a reminder of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Advent brings.
Advent Devotional Resource: Daily Advent Devotional
2. Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is an engaging way to learn about Jesus’ ancestry and prepare for His birth. Each day, a Bible story is read about one of Jesus’ ancestors, and a corresponding symbol is added to the Jesse Tree. This activity can be done with a real tree or a crafted representation. It’s a fun, hands-on way to involve children in the Advent journey.
Jesse Tree Book and Activity Set: Jesse Tree Set
3. Undertake Consecration to Jesus Through Mary as a Family
Marian consecration involves dedicating ourselves to Mary’s care and intercession, guiding us closer to her Son, Jesus. This spiritual practice includes a powerful 33-day preparation period that helps participants detach from worldly distractions and deepen their relationship with Christ. The consecration is ideally timed to culminate on a Marian feast day, however, it’s a fantastic family activity to do through advent regardless of when you finish.
Kids' Consecration Preparation: Kids' Consecration Preparation
Adult Consecration Preparation: Adult Consecration Preparation
4. Commit to Praying the Rosary Daily
Praying the Rosary as a family can bring profound spiritual blessings and peace to your home. By meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, families can draw closer to Jesus and find solace in His presence. St. Pius X said, “If you wish peace to reign in your homes, recite the family Rosary.” This daily practice is a powerful way to prepare for Christ’s birth.
Family Rosary Resources: Family Rosary Resources
5. Christ-Centred Stories
Transform the atmosphere of your home this Advent by reading Christ- centred stories and watching faith-based films. These stories can help children relate to their faith in a meaningful way and encourage Christ-centred conversations. They offer a great alternative to typical family entertainment and can enrich the spiritual life of your family. Consider more literal Advent stories or movies for younger kids, like, The Star, or stories about Christian values for older kids, such as C.S. Lewis’s, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Christ-Centred Christmas Books: Christ-Centred Christmas Books
Embrace the Season of Advent
By incorporating these activities into your family's Advent traditions, you can deepen your faith and grow closer to each other and to God. This season is a special time to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. Let’s make this Advent a time of meaningful spiritual growth and family bonding.
If you’d like to find out more about what’s happening in the Parish this Advent and Christmas, visit the HCP website https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/hornsby/, our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HornsbyCathedralParish, or contact the Parish office Monday to Friday at (02) 8379 1700.
About the Author – Jessica Crino is a long-term HCP parishioner, mother, and Parenting Coach who supports mothers seeking more peace and connection in their parenting. If you’d like to read more about Jess, visit facebook.com/@ourconnectedfamily.
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