Begin
with Advent,
the four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of preparation, waiting
and hope. The Advent liturgy resounds with the longing cries of the
Hebrew prophets, the voice of Jesus, and John the Baptist's preaching
that the Lord is near. Hear their message still ringing through today's
dark winters. The brief meditations on the Gospels for the Sundays of
Advent found in this section may help you listen to their voices.
Among
the customs of Advent, the Advent wreath is probably the most important.
Lighting the Advent candles each day with a prayer can prepare your
household for Christmas. For children, an Advent calendar marking off
the days before Christmas can be an aid for living the season.
And
since Santa Claus suddenly appears everywhere at this time, why not
remember the saint who is likely his original-- St. Nicholas, whose
feast day is December 6th? His example of quiet, generous giving is
worth recalling, especially for children.
Prayers and
commentary provided by
Passionist Publications and Fr Victor Hoagland, C.P. email questions or comments about
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1996- 2004 - The Passionist Missionaries
Begin
with Advent,
the four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of preparation, waiting
and hope. The Advent liturgy resounds with the longing cries of the
Hebrew prophets, the voice of Jesus, and John the Baptist's preaching
that the Lord is near. Hear their message still ringing through today's
dark winters. The brief meditations on the Gospels for the Sundays of
Advent found in this section may help you listen to their voices.