We are once again waiting in hope for the Light of the world. As we continue through a year of ups and downs, we are mere weeks away from the dawn of the Advent season—a time of preparing our hearts to welcome the Christ Child.
Rather than panicking over our long list of things to do, I want to offer some ideas worth indulging in to nourish our weary hearts.
Advent Resources Worth Your Prayer Time
Perhaps, like me, you are approaching the Church’s new year with a desire for spiritual nourishment. In many respects, I wonder if our Advent preparation and celebration might benefit from a simpler approach. And if we might not be better for it.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a variety of Advent resources that I believe are worth considering.
Daily Readings + Devotionals
Advent Devotionals
Blessed Is She’s Advent devotional for women, In Time: Living in the Now and Not Yet by Claire Dwyer, offers a daily guide through the story of our Savior, Jesus. Through Scripture, stories, and journaling questions, you’ll be invited to enter into guided prayer with the greater Blessed is She community.
Each week, we are invited into a new part of God’s story:
- Week 1 // Our experience of waiting
- Week 2 // God’s timing
- Week 3 // How our story fits into His
- Week 4 // Entering the holy moment
In addition, there are Advent devotionals for the men and children in our lives.
Whether you are praying with your spouse, child, best friend, or a small group of ladies, these devotionals always mean more when we walk with others. Consider reaching out to a friend of group of women at your parish to pray, share, and support one another in this sacred season.
Daily Readings
Following along with the daily Mass readings serves to enrich the anticipation of Christmas. These readings are part of the Church’s liturgical prayer, and they help us remember the stories of old but also prepare for what is to come.
You can find the daily readings online, on various apps, and in missals like Magnificat. And of course, you can journey through Advent’s daily readings with Blessed is She’s devotions right in your inbox.
Little Blue Books
Parishes frequently pass out Little Blue Books from the Diocese of Saginaw to guide parishioners through the season of Advent. These are perfect for sticking into a backpack or purse to sneak moments of prayer into your day.
Advent Feast Days + Rituals
December is jam-packed with feast days to help prepare for the coming of the Infant Jesus.
Saint Nicholas // December 6
This is an excellent day to celebrate the holiness of the season, instead of or in addition to the story of Santa. Whether with your roommates, spouse, or children, everyone loves the fun of finding little treats in their shoes!
Immaculate Conception // December 8
Gift yourself with a quiet hour to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady’s conception.
Our Lady of Guadalupe // December 12
Celebrate Mary’s apparition to Juan Diego in Mexico. Explore the beautiful imagery Mary left as a sign to create a space to worship God.
Saint Lucia // December 13
I was first introduced to Saint Lucia Day through the American Girl series. Traditions for celebrating Saint Lucy abound, including parades, early morning candles, and warm bread.
More Advent Opportunities
Eat dinner by candlelight // Let candles at evening or Sunday meals remind your senses about the coming of the Light of the World.
Create an Advent Sunday ritual // A special dessert or hot cocoa is a really fun way to set apart Sundays in Advent.
Write letters // Christmas cards remain one of the few occasions where people send and receive personal, hand-written notes. Perhaps this is a good time to write a few real letters to those you have not seen recently, or who do not get a lot of visitors.
Support a favorite charity // Like the wise men offering meaningful gifts to the Christ child, prayerfully consider who might benefit from a gift that you can offer this Christmas.
Go caroling // Make a joyful noise with this outdoor tradition! Groups don’t have to be large to spread a lot of cheer.
Read // There are an abundance of Advent books for adults and children alike. Personally, I gravitate toward the simple truth and illustrations of classic children’s stories as part of my Christmas preparations.
Enjoy the sounds of the season // Tune in to a concert on TV, the radio, or community performances. Advent is a season of joyful anticipation and many groups showcase their talents.
Hands-On Activities
Advent wreaths // Whether you make your own or use a cherished favorite, the Advent wreath is a beautiful and simple way to mark the coming of Emmanuel this season.
Advent calendars // While most notably enjoyed by children, this tradition isn’t just for kids! Advent calendars can be decorative, delicious, and/or spiritual in practice. For the DIYers, creating your own might be a fun challenge as well.
Crèche // Set up a nativity scene in stages, allowing the Magi to travel to the manger and placing Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Day!
Candles // In this season of darkness (in the northern hemisphere), any and all light serves as a reminder of the hope of the coming Messiah and that “the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Jesse Tree // Learn more about Scripture, particularly the stories of the prophets that foretold Christ’s coming, by decorating a Jesse Tree this season. There are a variety of printouts available online—from simple to elaborate.
Giving Trees // Take a tag off of a Giving Tree to offer a tangible gift to someone in need in your community.
Prepare Your Heart
While we prepare to embark on this holy season, let us do it with the wonder and excitement that it deserves.
Come, Emmanuel!
Katie Cassady is a wife and mom who has worked in young adult and social ministry in a variety of roles over the past 15 years. Steeped in theological reflection, it is her joy to make connections between Scripture, service, and Catholic social teaching through her work at Catholic Charities. She holds a master's degree in Pastoral Ministry and loves to write about the dignity of the human person, stewardship, and Sabbath in a world desperate for the peace of Christ.
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