We've officially entered the season of Advent, a time of anticipation and reflection as we eagerly prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth. In the past week, we've been discussing various ways to make this Advent season a meaningful and spiritually enriching experience.
Of course, our Parish Advent program takes centre stage in our preparations. This year, we are thrilled to unveil a special one-off free retreat at the Cathedral on December 13, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Led by our Seminarian, Rosan, this retreat promises a unique opportunity to delve into the Advent themes of hope, faith, joy, and love. Through prayer and private reflection, participants will explore the essence of the Christian faith and the symbolism encapsulated in the Advent wreath. For more information, click here: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/hornsby/news-events/blogs/preparing-our-hearts-for-christmas-exploring-advent.
Or if you want something more biblical that you can do on your own, there is the 24 Days of Luke’s Gospel Advent Challenge. By reading one chapter a day from December 1st, you will journey through the entire story of Jesus, completing it just in time for the celebration of His birth. To find more information and join the challenge, click here: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/hornsby/news-events/blogs/advent-cadvent-challenge-24-days-of-luke-s-gospelhallenge-24-days-of-luke-s-gospel.
Additional Spiritual Resources.
Beyond these initiatives, there are numerous other avenues to elevate your spirituality during Advent and prepare for Christmas. Consider exploring programs, retreats, apps, talks, and devotions to find what resonates with you. For video content, check out, Ascension Presents, https://www.youtube.com/@AscensionPresents/, on YouTube. A free Catholic Content service which includes Advent programs from 2022, 2021, and 2020, with undoubtedly more to come this year.
If you're a Hallow subscriber, a paid Catholic app aligned with the Church, there are various Advent programs on offer, including a 22-day challenge starting on Monday, December 4. You can join notable guests like Liam Neeson and Jonathan Roumie as they provide reflections on the inspiring writings of CS Lewis. Find the Hallow app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, or visit https://hallow.com/ for more information.
As Christians and Catholics, Advent stands as one of our grandest and most joyous celebrations. Embrace the season by exploring these suggestions, and may they serve as a stepping stone for a more spiritually fulfilling Advent journey.