What is Advent?
What is Advent?
Advent can come as a surprise to us sometimes, It’s not unlike the surprise of Mary when she received news that she was pregnant with Jesus. Like her, we take the season of Advent as a time for pause, reflection, and preparation for the gift of God’s love coming to us through the baby Jesus.
- What are we waiting for during Advent?
Why do you think the Church gives us a whole season to prepare for Christmas? - What does it mean to prepare our hearts for Jesus?
Besides decorating and buying gifts, what can we do to get ourselves spiritually ready for Christmas? - Where do you see hope in your life?
Advent is a season of hope. What is something that gives you hope, and how can you share that hope with someone else? - How can our family make room for Jesus?
What is one thing we could change, give up, or make time for during Advent so that Jesus has a bigger place in our family life? - Who might need some Christmas hope this year?
Is there someone who is lonely, hurting, struggling, or in need? What could our family do to bring them a little joy or remind them that they are not alone?
God of Love,
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us.
He is a sign of your love.
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent,
As we wait and prepare for his coming.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.
- 5 ADVENT ACTIVITIES for Catholic Children
- 5 Advent Activities for Children
- Making an Advent Wreath
- St. Nicholas Crosier Cake Recipe for St. Nicholas Day
- “Prepare the Way” Kindness Challenge: Create a family Advent kindness jar. Throughout Advent, place small acts of kindness inside and choose one each day or week.
- Build a Jesse Tree: Create a simple Jesse Tree using a small branch, paper tree, or even a poster. Each day, add an ornament representing a person or story from Scripture leading up to Jesus.Learn More HERE
- Give Jesus a Birthday Gift: Instead of focusing only on what the family wants to receive for Christmas, have everyone choose something they can give to Jesus. Each family member writes down one gift they will offer during Advent—perhaps spending more time in prayer, being kinder to a sibling, helping someone in need, attending Mass, or forgiving someone. Place the commitments in a box near your Nativity. On Christmas Day, open the box together and reflect on how you prepared your hearts for Jesus.
