Advent Means “A Coming”

Advent celebrates that Christ came once in the historical way in Bethlehem; that He comes in the Sacraments and to each of us as we open ourselves to Him in prayer; and that He will come again in the fullness of the kingdom. So we pray with expectation, “Thy Kingdom come!”

The wreath is a custom first practiced in Germany many centuries ago. Families gathered greens (the symbol of eternal life) and made them into a circle (God’s love has no beginning and no end). The three purple candles are a sign of reconversion and repentance. The pink candle is a sign of hope! Jesus is with us to help us change more nearly into His image!

A Family Advent Celebration

(This can be used on Mary’s Feast, Dec. 8, or any time during Advent)

Parent or Leader:

We gather to celebrate the mystery of waiting and hoping. This is the mystery of Advent. We will listen to the words of three great saints of Advent: Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Mary. Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, promised that one would come to fulfill our hope. He said:
 

Isaiah:

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.”    (Isaiah 9:1)
 

Parent or Leader:

And he also said:
 

Isaiah:

“For there is a child born for us, a son given to us; and upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.”    (Isaiah 9:5)
 

Parent or Leader:

Isaiah promised that one would come who would prepare the way of the Lord:
 

Isaiah:

“A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!”    (Isaiah 40:3)
 

All:

What must we do to prepare the way? What must we do to prepare for the coming of the Lord?
 

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Parent or Leader:

The people of God longed and prayed for the Messiah – the Saviour, the Hope, promised by Isaiah. They waited in hope for 700 years. Then the voice of John the Baptist was heard:
 

John:

“Someone more powerful than I is to come after me. I am not fit to stoop and untie his sandal straps. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”   (Mark 1:7-8)
 

All:

What must we do to prepare for his coming? What must we do to prepare for his coming?
 

Parent or Leader:

John the Baptist answered the people and said:
 

John:

“Let the man with two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same.”    (Luke 3:11)

“Give some evidence you mean to reform.”    (Luke 3:8)
 

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Parent or Leader:

There was one who was ready to receive him. She was a woman whose name was Mary. Mary was open to receive God’s love. She had pondered the words of hope and was simple and trusting. She sang a song of thanksgiving:

Mary:

“My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit finds joy in God my savior,
For he has looked upon his servant in her lowliness;
All ages to come shall call me blessed.
God who is mighty has done great things for me, Holy is his name;
His mercy is from age to age on those who fear him.
He has shown with might in his arm; he has confused the proud
in their inmost thoughts.
He has deposed the mighty form their thrones and raised the
lowly to high places.
The hungry he has given every good thing, while the rich he
has sent empty away.
He has upheld Israel his servant, ever mindful of his mercy;
Even as he promised our fathers, promised Abraham and his
descendents forever.”

(Luke 1:46-55)

All:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art Thou among women. Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Mary, your open heart is beautiful. Help us to be like you.
 
Amen.

or Advent at St. Charles
Revised/reviewed November 24, 2000