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Advent: Preparing for Christmas - Week 1
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Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. It starts four Sundays before Christmas and has a dual focus. Firstly, it commemorates the incarnation of the Christ child in Bethlehem, reminding us of the miraculous birth that brought hope and salvation to the world. Secondly, Advent calls us to be alert and ready for the second coming of Christ, emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and anticipation.
During Advent, we are encouraged to prepare our hearts for Jesus and intentionally remove the distractions of the world from our lives. This can be challenging, especially with the commercialization of Christmas. However, Advent provides us with an opportunity to refocus our attention on the true meaning of the season.
Common practices during this season include increased prayer and acts of charity. These practices help us to deepen our relationship with God and extend love and kindness to others, reflecting the spirit of Christ’s coming.
Trust
The 1st Sunday of Advent Year C marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. The readings for this Sunday call us to watchfulness, prayer, love, holiness, and trust in God’s promises.
Pray with a reading or verse from the 1st Sunday of Advent, and daily take five to 15 minutes of quiet time with it or a reflection question below.
First Reading – Jeremiah 33:14-16
Second Reading – 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2
Gospel – Luke 21:25-28, 34-36- How do I place my trust in God's promise?
- How do I live in holiness?
- What distractions do I need to avoid to stay focused on God?
- How can I increase love for those around me?
- Suggested Action: Take a walk. As you walk, look around you for signs of hope.
