Advent: Preparation for Christmas
From the Latin adventus (meaning ‘arrival’), Advent is an opportunity to step back from our routine, to slow down and contemplate the Mystery of the Incarnation. It marks the beginning of a new Church liturgical year that slowly builds momentum towards Christmas as the weeks go by. As with all new beginnings, this season is intended to renew our joy, hope, faith and love. Here are some ways to get ready for Advent:
1. Make an Advent wreath
The wreath is a circle, which has no beginning or end: God is eternal, and His love for us is everlasting. The three purple candles symbolise penance, preparation and sacrifice; the pink candle symbolises the same but highlights the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, when we rejoice because our preparation is half-way. The light represents Christ. The progression of lighting candles shows our increasing readiness to meet Our Lord. Make the Advent wreath the centrepiece of the dinner table. Light it at dinner time, and say the special prayers along with grace before meals. This daily practice will help each member of the family keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas.
2. Pray
Schedule a regular time for prayer. Pray the rosary, individually or as a family. Ponder the various events in the life of Our Lord, and the example of Mary, "the handmaid of the Lord", who gave of herself to receive the gift of the Saviour. For little children, maybe pray a decade each night, looking at one mystery. Over the four weeks of Advent, all the mysteries will have been prayed.
3. Read the Scripture
This liturgical year, the Sunday Gospel passages will be taken primarily from St Mark. Spend a few minutes reflecting upon it, inserting yourself into the passage, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak in the quiet of one's heart.
4. Take time out for confession
Do a thorough examination of conscience. If it has been a while since the last confession, find a good examination of conscience, praying for help from the Holy Spirit, note those sins that come to mind. Bring that examination to confession, receive absolution, and do the prescribed penance.
5. Teach
Teach children especially, read to them the stories of St Francis and the first Christmas crèche, St Boniface and the first Christmas tree, or St Nicholas who is Santa Claus.
6. Give
Give of yourself by doing good works. Good works help heal the hurts caused by sin, including our own. Clean out the closets of old clothes or toys, and give them to a charity. St Francis said, "It is in giving that we receive", and through our charitable works, we will receive the love of Christ Himself.
With Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the Magi - who adored Jesus at the first Christmas - may you, too, feel the loving tenderness and mercy of the Christ Child:
O come let us adore him.
It's time to prepare for Christmas.