Celebrating ADVENT

This past Sunday, we began the season of Advent by celebrating the 1^st Sunday of Advent. Advent is our time of preparation and time of waiting for the coming of Jesus.It is a rich and powerful season of the Church year.

We often miss Advent's power because these December weeks are full of secular Christmas parties and preparations for Christmas. Each year, the busyness of this season serves to distract us from having an Advent season that truly prepares us for the celebration of Christmas, with all its meaning.

We must see through the “Windows of Faith” when we look at our Advent preparations for Christmas rather than the “Screens of Society”. The computer screen, the phone screen, the tv screen or the movie screen.

Through “Windows of Faith”, we see the birth of the Christ-child, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace. We see that it is being with family that is the gift, the shared moments of grace that are important.  It is practicing goodness, generosity, hospitality and humility that give us the deepest sense of peace, joy and love.  We see those in need, the homeless and the hungry not just the overwhelming consumerism in the world.

The First Week of Advent

Jesus, Son of Mary, you are the hope in our messy world. This Advent, help us slow down, listen to your voice, see through "windows of faith" and focus on what’s really important. We place our HOPE in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Second Week of Advent

Jesus, our Brother, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to look through the "windows of faith" and become the-best-version-of-ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that PEACE with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Third Week of Advent

Jesus, the Christ-child, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the JOY you bring into our lives. When we look through the "windows of faith" we find you in the everyday moments and we can come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

The Fourth Week of Advent

Jesus, Guiding Light, may the light of your love always shine in our hearts. As Christmas draws closer, we marvel at your great LOVE for us. Let your love transform every aspect of our lives, help us to see through "windows of faith" and touch everyone we encounter. Our hearts are open to you, Jesus. We ask this through Christ of Lord. Amen.

Advent Prayer for Families

Heavenly Father, your son Jesus is your greatest gift to us, 

a great sign of your love. 

Guide us as we strive to walk in that love 

together as a family this Advent. 

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, 

bring us closer to each other and to your son. 

Give us the grace and strength we need every day, 

help us to always trust in you 

and help us to look through "windows of faith" 

to see the world around us. 

Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. 

Come and dispel the darkness of our world 

with the light of your love. 

Amen.

Good St. Anne. Pray For Us.