The Season of Advent Its Meaning and some Ideas
Mistakenly because of consumerism focusing on Christmas winter festive celebrations these precious 4 weeks of Advent have lost their purpose and meaning. Advent is about preparing for the Lord’s return at the end of time – as He promised. That preparation is at the heart of the Church’s mission which is captured in the liturgy by our readings at mass. Reading that focus on the importance of the prophecies of the Old Testament which prepared the people of Israel for the birth of Jesus, the ministry of John the Baptist as his herald and the place of Mary in God’s plan of Salvation as announced by the archangel Gabriel.
By praying and meditating on these readings in the light of our Christian Faith we can enter more fully into the mission of the Church to be heralds of hope and announcers of the fulfilment of the salvation of the world we work towards. To be Christ bearers and co-workers with him in radiating the love and forgiveness, the joy and the peace of God.
At last week’s clergy deanery meeting a few ideas emerged regarding getting into the spirit of Advent.
Advent Angels
To cut out paper angels, and write the names of parishioners on each angel and put them in a basket. Then ask each parishioner to pick out an angel and over the 4 weeks of Advent to pray for that parishioner (without telling them). Then just before Christmas to tell the parishioner who has been prayed for and give them a small gift.
Christmas Tree Petitions
Cut out paper squares and thread each card with a piece of cotton. Ask parishioners to write a prayer of petition on each one and hang them on the Christmas Tree. Then pray for all those petitions throughout Advent and Christmas.
Blessing the Baby Jesus
In many countries there is the tradition of families bringing the Baby Jesus from their family crib to mass of Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent) and having it bless.
Blessing of Christmas Cards
Some have the tradition of having the Christmas Cards they send blest before they sent them, as a spiritual gesture of closeness and blessing.
