The month of December is devoted to the Immaculate Conception. This feast, celebrating Mary’s sinless conception, beautifully aligns with the themes of Advent, serving as a key preparation for the coming of the Lord. It also draws upon the long wait for the Messiah, echoing the prophecies and events from the Old Testament that are reflected in the Advent liturgy. In this way, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception complements the anticipation and hope of the Advent season.
The first 24 days of the month are part of the liturgical season of Advent. During this time, the colour purple is used in the liturgy, symbolizing penance, self-discipline, and the sorrow of a repentant heart. During Advent, we are invited to enter more deeply into silence, prayer, reflection, Scripture, and the sacramental life of the Church—all as ways to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas. This season offers us an opportunity to slow down and focus on the spiritual significance of Christ’s coming into the world.
Advent is not only about remembering the past and repenting, but it is also about looking forward to the future. This Season helps us think about what Jesus’ coming means for our lives today. The main purpose of Advent is to prepare our hearts. The Church encourages prayer, fasting, and acts of charity during this time.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HEART FOR ADVENT
1) Remove the Mountains
What obstacles in your life are blocking the path for Christ? Is it the mountain of pride and presumption? Are you putting your relationship with God first in your life, or are you just trying to squeeze prayer in? Do you have a love for comfort and possessions and a lack of concern for the needy? These mountains can keep you from fully receiving Christ into your heart. As Advent begins, take time to identify and remove these distractions, creating space for Jesus to come into your life.
2) Fill the Valleys
What valleys in your life are preventing Christ from guiding you in the right direction? Do you examine your conscience regularly and go to Confession at least once per month? Have you neglected to confess sins out of pride or to offer forgiveness to someone who has wronged you? During this season of anticipation, it’s an opportunity to recognize these gaps in your heart and fill them with prayer, the sacraments and love for others.
Advent is a time to prepare—not just for Christmas, but for the Second Coming of the Lord. It’s a season of watching and preparing through prayer and good works to meet Our Lord
HOW TO MEET CHRIST THIS ADVENT
Gather in prayer: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Join with others in Holy Mass, prayers such as the Holy Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration and fellowship to experience Christ’s presence.
Perform Acts of Piety and Mercy: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Advent is a time to show compassion and mercy to others, to eagerly volunteer in serving the fundraising needs of the Parish and seeing others as God’s Images.
Come to Weekday Mass as well as Sundays: “This is my body, this is my blood, given for you” (Luke 22:19). The Eucharist is a tangible encounter Christ, the Son of the Living God. Let your participation in the Sacraments during Advent be a means of drawing closer to Him.
Hear the Preaching of the Word: Let the Word of God speak to you through Scripture and the homilies of the Parish. Seek to hear the Word more deeply through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Read the Scripture, Catechism and Lives of the Saints: Take time to meditate on the Scriptures, to study the Catechism and read the Lives of the Saints. This forms our hearts and inspires us to live our Faith in a new and fuller way.
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