2 minute read
Preparing For Advent: A Time To Open Our Hearts For The Coming Of Jesus
The season of Advent is a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus — when God revealed His closeness. Here at St. Vincent de Paul, we are blessed with numerous opportunities to prepare and enter our hearts into this solemn, reflective season. In turn, we can also set aside time to prepare by ourselves or with our families.
A great way to help prepare is to come to enjoy some Christmas music on Dec. 19, for a 1 p.m. concert that includes the adult and children’s choirs.
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Both Director of Faith Formation Nicholas Senz and Director of Stewardship and Ministry Renée Bader encourage parishioners to consider making this Advent special. One way is to buy or make an Advent wreath and light it with your family. You might also do some research and learn about the origins of the Advent wreath.
“We should be taking Advent to look forward to not only Christmas but also the second coming of Jesus,” Nicholas says. “Christmas is such an important part of our faith, as much as it has worked its way to becoming a commercial holiday. It’s one of the most important feast days of the year, but it can be easy to have it sneak up on us.”
Nicholas also recommends reviewing the daily Mass readings all through Advent. There are also many prayer books out there that offer daily reflections for Advent. We will be handing out a devotional book to all parishioners. Whatever you choose to do, use this as a time to slow down to prepare your heart.
“Don’t forget that there are 12 days after Christmas,” Nicholas says. “Consider planning Christmas parties for after Christmas to preserve the Advent season.”
We can also use Advent to find ways to give back. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul sets up a tree in the narthex with candy canes that list a financial need. This is a great way to support the important work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which offers essential assistance to those in need all year.
Renée recommends accessing videos from Busted Halo — bustedhalo.com — to learn more about Advent and why it is celebrated. Another idea for families with children, each week have everyone draw a family member’s name. For that week have them do secret nice things for their person. Each nice act, they get to add a piece of straw to the manger, so on Christmas morning, Jesus has a softer bed.
