During the Four Weeks of Advent We Prepare for the Christ Child!
Advent is a time to get ready for the Christmas Feast Day. There are many ways to get ready including: prayer, daily devotions, novenas, and fasting. We as Catholics have many helpful tools such as: advent wreaths, nativity scenes, Christmas movies and movies about the Saints, cooking, and decorating our homes.
Prayer Should Increase
During this busy time, it is essential that we set aside a special time for prayer and mediation. Not only is this a very stressful time… but it is easy to lose the meaning of Christmas in all the preparations. Set aside time to pray alone and time to have devotions with your family. An Advent Wreath is a great tool for family devotions. Each week, gather around your wreath and pray… then light one Advent Candle on the wreath. The children will look forward to this devotion and will always remember it.
We can also set up a Nativity Scene in our home. Save the baby Jesus and the three Wise men for the appropriate time. On Christmas Day, put baby Jesus in the crèche; on the Feast of Epiphany, put the three Wise men in your Nativity Scene. The Nativity Set can also be used as a devotional tool. Pick readings from the Gospel and read them around the Nativity Set. Let the children arrange the figures accordingly to the verse.
Spend Time with Family
Family time is very important during the Advent Season. Cooking, watching movies, playing cards or board games and just spending time together is important. Slow Down! Take the time to enjoy the season. Let the children help decorate the tree. Make a special treat and watch a Christmas Movie. Some of my favorites include: “A Wonderful Life”, “Going My Way”, “Home Alone”, and “The Santa Claus”, “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” …. “Shrek the Halls” has a good message about putting up with relatives and family. It’s ok to watch movies that are about Santa and other fun holiday things… just make sure that the message is clear about the reason we celebrate this season! Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords is Born!!! Pick out some Nativity movies to watch and mix them in.
Decorate Your Home and Make Special Foods
Beautiful things and foods make us love this season. Hang the most beautiful picture of the Holy Family that you can find in a prominent place. Our Catholic Faith is beautiful… take full advantage of it this Christmas Season. Hang greenery and lights… this is a wonderful Celebration! The King is born! Prepare for the King by: setting up a Christmas tree, hanging special decorations, light the outside of your home, at Christmas Dinner use special China, play Christmas music… make sure some of it is religious hymns, light candles and light a special candle for the Christ Child, make special foods, play the piano, think of a special cooking or crafting project to do with your kids or god children.
The King is Coming, Prepare for Him!
