Day 19: Thursday 19 December 2024


 

Season of Advent

Advent is the four-week season before Christmas during which we prepare for the coming of Christ.  The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming”.  The season of Advent is a time of waiting, conversion and of hope, which has a twofold character as:

  • A time of preparation for the Solemnities of the Christmas season, in which the first coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered; and,
  • A time when – by remembrance of this – our minds and hearts look forward to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time.

For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.

Our digital Advent calendar is a helpful resource for our ‘journey’ towards Christmas.  Each day, by clicking on a virtual door, we are inviting you to take a few minutes to avail of our resources to rediscover the true meaning of Advent and Christmas.

Advent reflection from Sister Sheila Curran, Council for Justice and Peace

 

Advent Prayers

An Advent Prayer for the Family

Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a family this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

 
Awaiting Baby Jesus Advent Prayer

My heart is beating, filled with joy, awaiting Mary’s baby boy. For with this child, we embrace the birth of God’s most precious grace. Baby Jesus, soon to come! For us comes the Promised One. Baby Jesus, God’s own Son, you will be the Chosen One to lead our flock into salvation. Our eternal life awaits. The birth of Jesus brings us nearer Heaven’s holy gates. Sing with joy, and count the days, for soon to come, the Lord we’ll praise. Rejoice that Jesus will soon arrive,the Messiah and our faith alive.

Amen.

Kids’ Corner!

Each day of Advent you will find fun activities for children to enjoy and learn more about the Season of Advent!  Print out the activity below and colour it in however you like!

To print: click on the link below to open a new page, then select “print” to print out the page for colouring.

Advent activity for day 19