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Advent and Christmas Resources

ADVENT is a time of expectant and hopeful waiting and before Christmas. Its a time of preparation. Its a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and to prepare for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ into our hearts, and watching for God’s presence in the world around us. 

Advent sneaks up on us sometimes, beginning right after the busy Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. It’s not unlike the surprise of Mary when she received news that she was pregnant with Jesus. Like her, we take the season of Advent as a time for pause, reflection, and preparation for the gift of God’s love coming to us through the baby Jesus.

History of Advent

The historic origin of Advent is not for certain; no evidence exists around the feast of the Nativity of the Lord before the end of the fourth century.

Several homilies and synods made mention of a specific liturgical time before Christmas, but no rule existed until a note on the Mass parts appeared during the time of Pope St. Gregory VII from 1073-1085. Advent awakens us not only for the birth of Christ but also for the beginning of a new year in the Church. With Christ’s coming, we start anew – on the first Sunday of Advent, November 27, we’ll transition from cycle C to cycle A. Cycle A focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, which we will hear during each Mass this Advent season. 

Much like a Lenten period of fasting and sacrifice, the early Church urged Christians to dedicate this time to readying themselves for Christ. Their practices remind us that we are also called to be attentive to the message of repentance and the messages of Hope, Peace Joy and Love. This may seem unexpected considering the extravagant ways we eat, shop, celebrate, and rejoice as Christmas approaches!

Here is a very complete listing of information about Advent! (Hallow App) This app is wonderful for families and for personal prayer and reflection.

An ADVENT PLAYLIST (Multiple Resources!)

Resources for Adults! https://buildfaith.org/adult-formation-advent-resources-for-2022/

Advent Prayers and Retreat
Advent and Christmas Prayers (CRS)
A Prayerful, Magical Catholic Family Advent & Christmas (The Liturgical Catechist)
The “O Antiphons” of Advent (USCCB)
Advent Retreat, Holy Women, Full of Grace  (Good Ground Press)

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