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THE SEASON OF ADVENT: Prayerfully Entering into a Time of Preparation and Reflection
Although pandemic restrictions have thus far delayed definite scheduling for Advent and Christmas events, there are no restrictions on how we can prepare spiritually to celebrate this joyous season.
“We’re kind of in a survival mode working with the pandemic restrictions,” Fr. Tom says. “But we’ve got an active community and a lot will be coming up.”
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The excitement of Christmas in public life certainly began even as the last jack-o’- lantern was put away. Christmas music has appeared in the stores and on the airwaves, and decorations are stocked on store shelves. In the midst of all this, however, the observance of Advent becomes important as we prepare for Christmas. As Catholics, Advent helps us prepare not only for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also to prepare for the coming of the Kingdom, and our arrival there.
Advent offers us the opportunity to enter into special prayers in preparation.
“Anything Marian is wonderful — with Dec. 8 being the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, this is very important for the season,” Fr. Tom says. “Mary is the final prophet with her proclamation in the Magnificat. You can pray this prayer during Advent and it can become a Marian devotion. Mary’s presence is all over this season.”
Fr. Tom also recommends looking to the Liturgy of the Hours for appropriate Advent prayers, with these prayers calling to mind the tradition of the Jesse Tree that celebrates the branches of Jesus’s heritage.
“To meditate on these is wonderful,” Fr. Tom says. “Read the nativity narratives of Matthew and Luke. You can read these in 10 minutes to your kids. This exposes you to the Word of God itself.”
Many Advent traditions can help us prayerfully look toward Christmas.
“Those Advent calendars with the little gifts inside each day are a tremendous tradition, Fr. Tom says. This helps remind us of the greatness of God’s grace that follows us through all time, not just at Christmas. Families have their traditions that are just as important in how they help prepare for the season.”
There will be Christmas programs this year, and traditional giving opportunities, such as the Socks and Underwear Drive and the Giving Tree.
“These giving programs serve as a reminder of God’s constant giving to us, and His most precious gift — His Son,” Fr. Tom says. “When we can include God in our giving, by giving of ourselves from ourselves, what better way than that to imitate one of the greatest attributes of God? We learn to be thankful for the gifts we have and to use them for the betterment of, and helping the lives of others.”
