Advent Devotional 2025
Dear Notre Dame Community, Happy Advent season! As we await the birth of Jesus, we prepare our hearts to welcome Him with hope, peace, joy, and love. We invite you to examine yourself over the course of the Advent season, using this devotional as a guide to grow in your faith, connect with others, and reflect on how you can “make ready the way of our Lord.”
In Christ, Maria Tufaro ’26
Student Minister for Spirituality
“At this Christmas, when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern. ”
-Mother Teresa
HOPE
November 30 , 2025 th
“For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come. ”
Matthew 24:37-44
December 1st, 2025
Mrs Fox, History Faculty
In Matthew 24:37–44, Jesus points to the story of Noah to help us understand what true readiness looks like. Noah was a man of tremendous faith, hope, and steady obedience. He built the ark just as God asked, even when the people around him didn’t understand why. Jesus uses this example to show us that faith opens our eyes to God’s presence in the ordinary moments of our lives. As we move through Advent, we ’ re reminded that it isn’t just about waiting for Christmas Day, it is about preparing our hearts for the ways Christ wants to be with us right now.
Preparing for Christmas in our world can sometimes feel very different from this kind of spiritual readiness. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Santa, the presents, and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As a little kid, it was all about wondering what gifts we would get and if Santa put us on the “naughty or nice list”. But the hope and preparation Jesus talks about go far beyond the commercial excitement, as He invites us to open our hearts to God’s presence and love.
For me and my family, preparing for the birth of Jesus has always been a deeply special time. As an Italian-American, I’m blessed with many Christmas traditions, but my favorite will always be the Nativity scene my father builds each year. He doesn’t just set out a few figures, he creates an entire little village with hills made from brown paper bags, a night sky filled with tiny lights, and carefully placed figurines that make the whole scene feel alive. As a kid, I would be in awe, watching as his creativity brought the town of Bethlehem to life and placing the figurines, many of which have been passed down through generations, in their perfect spots in the tableau. Now, seeing my own children building it with him, arranging the animals and trying to find the “perfect spot” for each figurine, fills me with so much joy. This shared moment across generations reminds me that Advent is more than counting down the days to Christmas. It is a time of gentle anticipation, reflection, and hope, trusting that Christ is coming and already present in our lives.
Advent is a chance to slow down, watch and listen for God, and begin to make room for Jesus in our lives with intention. Just as Noah prepared for something he could not yet see, we prepare for Christ’s coming with readiness and hope, confident that God is already at work in our lives, guiding us toward the light and love we celebrate at Christmas.
December 2nd, 2025
Week 1 Activity:
This week, we learn about the virtue of hope as we begin the wait for Jesus at Christmas. Looking forward in our lives with hope for our future is very important, but so is looking back with gratitude for the blessings we already have received in our lives. Take a moment today to write down 3 things you are grateful for. Throughout Advent, go back to this gratitude journal and continue to reflect on the abundant blessings in your life.
December 3rd, 2025
Rhiley Wilson, ‘30
Whenever I come across the term “Word” in the Bible and in Church, I think of scripture, foundation, and instruction. In this verse, John tells us that Jesus is the Word: the One whom God used to bring creation into existence, the One who is the glue of our relationship with God, and the One who fulfilled His role as the sacrificial lamb that conquered sin and death to grant us eternal life. When God chose to create this world and all those that inhabit it, He made it so that all can follow God’s Word, instruction, and way of life: Jesus. When God sent His Son, the embodiment of the perfect way of Christian life, He didn’t remove the existence of darkness (the wrongs and failures done by flesh); instead, He used flesh to dismantle its power to define our stories, relationships, faith, and hope in God. This Advent, I pray that not only I, but all of us, remember that because the light of Jesus has come into this world and conquered sin and death, the passion that that light gives us cannot be defeated by the devil and our own flesh failures. Whatever darkness we encounter, whether it be fear, disappointment, uncertainty, loneliness, grief, or rejection–it’s not the end; it’s the door opening to bring you closer to God and His plan. God’s Word is strong, steady, reliable, and persistent; He does not abandon you, but gives you the strength to fight in the face of adversity. His light is stronger than anyone or anything that tries to cover it. Hope is confidence that is entrenched in the source of all life: Jesus. Hope is not fragile; it’s a strong light that is unable to be broken. As we ignite the candle for Hope, I pray that we all remember that the same God who spoke light into the universe, the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, and the same persistence that Jesus had in His life, is burning within all of us.
Whatcametobe throughhimwaslife, andthislifewasthelightofthehumanrace; thelightshinesinthedarkness, andthedarknesshasnotovercomeit.” December 4th, 2025
“InthebeginningwastheWord, andtheWordwaswithGod, andtheWordwasGod. HewasinthebeginningwithGod. Allthingscametobethroughhim, andwithouthimnothingcametobe.
December 5th, 2025
Reflection:
December 6th, 2025
Prayer for Week 1:
Dear God,
You are our hope in times of stress, sadness, and darkness. Increase our faith in You, and help us as we prepare our hearts to receive You this Christmas. Grant us the grace to slow down and focus on You, placing our trust in Your Holy Name.
Help us to grow in love and faith each day. Amen.
PEACE
December 7th, 2025
“In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’”
Matthew 3: 1-12
December 8th, 2025
Mr. Pileggi, Religion Faculty
I really, really love December. Between the lights, Christmas movies, Christmas music, and Advent Angels, I have so many things to boost my spirits. However, despite my joyful spirits, the Gospel brings us a very angry John the Baptist. In this week’s Gospel, John the Baptist confronts the Pharisees, predicting their demise when Jesus’ ministry begins. My first instinct is that someone should tell John to throw on the Sufjan Stevens Christmas album, make some hot chocolate, and relax… but on second thought, maybe we need to consider his words more carefully. Perhaps more so than any other time of the year, Christmas provides us with so many reminders to get in the holiday spirit. However, like the Pharisees’ teachings, some of these reminders may distract us from the coming joy. As I get excited about seasonal music and movies, I also have to contend with distractions: the stresses of gift buying and the impulsive desire for more possessions. If I am not careful, these distractions can pull my heart away from the joys of Christmas. As I reflect on John the Baptist’s warning, I ask myself some questions: Am I readying my heart for the joys of Christmas, or am I distracted? Am I using Christmas to spread joy to others, or am I focusing too much on my own wants? John the Baptist reminds me that as I embrace my favorite Christmas traditions, that to truly celebrate Jesus’ birth, I have to spread my joy to others. In this exciting Advent season, may we all pray for God’s help to adopt a giving spirit. Then, we can all make some hot chocolate and relax, basking in our shared joy and love.
December 9th, 2025
Week 2 Activity:
During the second week of Advent, we are called to consider the theme of peace. In our busy lives, it can be easy to get caught up in anxiety. We invite you to print the coloring picture found on the next page and use this time to ground yourself, invite Christ into Your day, and reflect on what has been weighing on your heart recently. Enjoy this break!
December 10th, 2025
Reflection: What has been on my heart recently?
Is my trust placed in God, or do I doubt Him at times?
December 11th, 2025
“Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.’”
December 12th, 2025
Reagan Parsons, ’27
I never fully understood what it meant to find peace in the Lord until this year. With all the stress of junior year, after-school activities, and home responsibilities, it was easy to get caught up in things that didn’t matter. I often found myself stressing over tiny details that weren’t worth my time or trying to handle everything myself when I didn’t need to. It wasn’t until I started relying on God that I found true peace. Handing my worries over to Him is so freeing, and it’s such an uplifting feeling when I remember everything is under His control, even when the world tries to tell me otherwise. Mary’s fiat is something that reminds me to trust in the Lord, no matter how uncertain things may seem. Her confidence in God is so inspiring, especially considering her circumstances at the time. She’s a great example of turning to Him for peace in times of uncertainty. Although it can be difficult to trust that He has everything under control, allowing God to take the wheel has such a big payoff. This year, I’ve learned the importance of remembering that we weren’t made to do everything ourselves. We’re meant to have a relationship of trust with God. He wants to help us! Each day I let God take over, I find myself more focused, more joyful, and more at peace. And I encourage you to do the same.
December 13th, 2025
Prayer for Week 2:
Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, we ask for the gift of serenity this Advent season. Increase our trust in You, and help us as we prepare our hearts to receive You this Christmas. Help us to share Your peace with each person we encounter, especially those experiencing hardships. Remove the things that impede our peace and confidence in Your plan, and guide all of our efforts in Your divine will. Amen.
Gaudete (Joy)
December 14th, 2025
“When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me. ” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.“
Matthew 11: 2-11
December 15th, 2025
Señora Guarino, Spanish Faculty
It seems inconceivable that the theme of joy is connected in any way to this reading of Matthew in which John the Baptist is in prison. John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask if He was the One to come. Jesus replies with a list of the works He has accomplished thus far in His ministry-“the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.” Although John heard about Jesus’s miracles, it would appear that he never witnessed them first hand and perhaps that is why Jesus says that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. How is this applicable to my life and where is the joy in all of it? Like all of us, I have experienced trying times that put me in a dark place, not as dark as St. John’s prison cell, but nonetheless dark. The one that comes to mind is the loss of my husband Julius to cancer eleven years ago. I never thought I could experience joy without him. Before my husband’s viewing, my son and daughter-in-law informed me that they were expecting a baby. The miraculous timing of this news filled me with joy. The anticipation of my grandson’s arrival helped bring light to my dark situation. I began to consider all the other miracles in my life: the fact that I had thirty-three years with a wonderful man and many cherished memories, that I have family and friends that stood by me through the aftermath, and that I have a school community that supported me every step of the way. I now make a conscious effort to contemplate the miracles in my life to help me find joy when I face difficult circumstances. Although I am fortunate to have four grandsons, enjoying their antics is always tinged with a bit of melancholy since my husband would have reveled in his role as a grandfather. I believe that he sees them and looks over them. Jesus promises us a place in the kingdom of heaven if we believe in Him. His coming and the salvation He brought to all of us as a result are what we celebrate this joyous season. The thought of my husband’s presence in heaven as a result of this coming is a great source of comfort and indeed brings me joy.
December
16th,
2025
Week 3 Activity:
“Gaudete” means joy, and “Gaudete
Sunday” is our reminder of the celebration that comes with the birth of Jesus. As Catholics, we are called to live out that joy and share it with others. This week, find ways that you can bring joy to others, big or small. This might look like an act of service for those in poverty, smiling and saying hi to someone, or giving a gift to a friend.
December 17th, 2025
Reflection:
How have you shared joy with others?
How is God inviting you to embrace the joy of the Christmas season?
How can I live out the virtue of joy each day?
December
18th, 2025
“And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.”
December 19th, 2025
Caroline Tufaro, ’28
Being a high school student can be very challenging at times and make it hard for us to appreciate the small things that bring us joy.
Reflecting on my year so far, I am realizing that most days I am so caught up with whatever test or big project is due that I find myself solely focusing on these difficulties, overwhelming me with negativity. When this happens, I know that I need to take a step back and try to find joy in life’s small pleasures. My favorite way of doing this is by thanking God for all of the blessings in my life. What works best for me is to write down everything I am thankful for at the end of the day. Doing this helps me see that even when I am stressed or worried, God’s goodness is always present, and taking a few minutes each day to be grateful brings me joy.
During this Advent season, we have a beautiful example of this mindset. When Mary found out she was pregnant, despite feeling afraid and uncertain, she joyfully thanked God for this incredible blessing. Similarly, during our own stressful days, we can choose to embrace and spread joy in our lives by acknowledging all the blessings God has given us. Additionally, I like to make time for activities that make me happy. Taking a walk, watching the sunset, or spending time with family and friends all provide immense joy and happiness for me, reinforcing the importance of appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
December 20th, 2025
Prayer for Week 3:
Dear God,
Thank You for the blessings that bring us joy each day. Grant us the grace to embrace joy in the face of every challenge and worry. Let nothing cause us to forget the joy of Christ, and let us persevere in holy cheerfulness. Give us the ability to fill others with true joy and to serve others with grateful spirits. Amen.
LOVE
December 21st, 2025
“Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”
Matthew 1: 18-24
December 22nd, 2025
Mrs Woehlcke, Religion
Faculty
Love is God actualized – the Word made Flesh come to earth to manifest God’s love for us through miracles and stories. Our humanity both demands and allows the abstract concept of love to be realized into “things” that we can taste, smell, see, and touch. Our feelings, our thoughts, our intentions, our hopes – all are transformed into realities that, miraculously, can comfort, delight, and empower. Such is the magic that is Christmas. We pour our love into chocolate chip cookies baked for a friend. We demonstrate our loving care for our students as we string lights around our classrooms We bundle the hopes and dreams that we have for our family and friends into Christmas cards, carefully chosen, thoughtfully signed, and lovingly sent. With joyful anticipation, we search catalogues and websites for the gifts that will surely bring joy, communicating our regard, concern, and appreciation for loved ones. At Christmas Mass, we pray aloud with our community that peace might eventually dawn on our broken world.
Now, allow me to describe my own personal way to actualize my love for my sprawling extended family. During my first year of teaching, one special moment in time was to become a cherished family tradition. It continues to keep my family connected no matter how far we have wandered from our Juniata Park roots. When I arrived at Archbishop Ryan High School for my very first teaching assignment, I was beyond excited when I realized that my esteemed German teacher was now my colleague, and I soon learned that she was selling special Advent calendars filled with chocolate to raise money to support the activities of the school’s German Club. Not yet having kids of our own, I decided I would support the cause by purchasing calendars for each of my cousins whose kids could then gather around the calendar each night to count down the days until Christmas arrived. Just a few days after Advent had begun, we got a call from my cousin Terri that her youngest, Timmy, had eaten all of the chocolate – yes, he emptied the entire calendar. After all, he had been told that, when the calendar was empty, Christmas would be here. What more delicious way was there to accelerate the arrival of Christmas? All he had to do was eat all of the chocolate and – ta-da!! – Christmas would arrive instantly! Fortunately, we had an extra calendar, and Leo, my husband, decided he would assume the character of Mr. Wudka, the Advent calendar man, to personally deliver the new calendar to Timmy When we arrived at Timmy’s house, Leo put on a stern face and a crazy accent and explained “One day – one door – one piece of candy!” Thus, the Advent Calendar mantra was born. Each year, on Thanksgiving night, Leo would personally gift each family with a calendar and explain each time – “One day – one door – one piece of candy!” Fast forward to today, and now it is Timmy’s kids who are counting down the days until Christmas. We still deliver the calendars, but there are too many families to personally present each one, so we deliver groups to special representatives of Mr. Wudka. Yes – you guessed it – Timmy is the representative to his branch of the family and now he is the one to repeat the cherished mantra.
Jesus – who is the fullest manifestation of Love – is the Word made Flesh who comes to us every Christmas through the carols we sing, the gifts we wrap, the candles we light, the stockings we fill, and the donations we gather and deliver. God, of course, is always present in the world around us. Christmas doesn’t make God present – it just brings our attention to the fact that God is with us in oh so many ways!
December 23rd, 2025
When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the farther they went from me. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them.
December
24th,
Mallory Dubois, ’28
2025
During the Advent season, we are called to reflect and think about our actions and how it relates to the themes of each week of Advent. Personally, I find it hard to truly love others in the way that Jesus taught us to love, as fully and as deeply as we would want to be loved. Specifically, love with others, who you may not know. This is especially true with strangers, because we pass by others, and may not truly trust and love them, due to fear and distrust. We may also treat others unfairly when they may be or act differently from what we believe is normal, even though we may know it’s wrong. I hope that all can try to treat others kindly, because of the holiday season and the joy and love it brings to all. Also, I hope that many may feel inspired by the holiday season to continue on the joy and love of the season throughout the year.
December 25th, 2025
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star* at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.” After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way. ”
Matthew 2: 1-12
Christmas Season
“Joy to the World” is my favorite Christmas carol and has been since I was a teenager. The 11:00 PM Christmas Eve service used to always end with an earthmoving, breathtaking rendition of “Joy to the World,” the trumpets and timpani would play, the choir would sing, filling every corner of the sanctuary with joyous tones, and the congregation would spill out into the night air alive with joyous anticipation of Christmas Day. It was in those moments, leaving the sanctuary and stepping into the crisp, cold December air, that resounding joy would settle into my heart, fear, anxiety, and worldly worries moving aside to make room for the much-anticipated guest.
At Christmas, we celebrate the joy of the Christ Child, who entered the world, not to the triumphant sound of timpani and trumpets, but to the quiet, humble bray of the animals. In Matthew’s gospel, we learn of three Magi from afar who arrived to bring gifts to the baby born in Bethlehem. Their journey wasn't easy or convenient; it was intentional. And when they found Mary with Jesus, they fell to their knees and worshiped Him.
I’d like to believe the simple scene of mother and child so overwhelmed the Magi that their hearts were forever changed. This Christmas, let us be reminded of the intentional journey to seek the Christ Child. And let us, like the Magi, lay before Him our most treasured gifts, not gold and frankincense and myrrh, but our time, talents, and hearts.
In a world that calls us to value convenience and ease, where our wants are delivered at whim, 2-day shipping seems too long, and divisive language creates chasms, let us be intentional about making room for Christ, creating space for joy, and inviting this story of amazing love to dwell in our hearts and transform our actions. May the joy of the Christ Child transform your heart this Christmas.
In
peace, Mrs. Bellopede, Literature Faculty
New Years Day
A Prayer for the New Year
O God Our Father,
We thank You for the year that has ended, and rejoice in the coming of a new year. Help us to go forward with loving hearts, joyful spirits, and generous works. Give us the ability to embrace each opportunity that we are presented with this year, and to stand steady in each challenge that confronts us. Above all, help us to grow closer to Your most Sacred Heart and strive towards You in all we do.
Epiphany
Alina Tuwalski, ’28
During the time of Advent, the anticipation of Jesus’ birth is an important element of the Christmas story. The Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, is a day that commemorates the showing of Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Three Kings gifting Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Whenever I think of the word “epiphany,” I think of the metaphor of how the light shines at the end of the tunnel. In Biblical times, the world was a dark place before Jesus came in, but when He was born, a light came into the world, angels rejoiced, and people came from all over the Mediterranean to see the young Messiah in His glory. This was the start of a new world. The Epiphany helps remind us of God’s graciousness and the grace that He has given. Through God’s action of bringing down His only Son into the world to save everyone, He has shown how merciful and kind He is. The Epiphany also symbolizes how God extended His promise to people who were not originally a part of it. In the Bible, it was the Gentiles whom the Three Kings represent.
During the Christmas season and the Epiphany, we can celebrate the Epiphany by meditating on God’s promise to the world, praying, and reflecting on the treasures that God gave to us. The Epiphany is a meaningful time for reflection on God's promise.