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Making Advent a Spiritual Adventure

  • Writer: CWM
    CWM
  • Nov 12
  • 3 min read

Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” For Catholics, it’s the season of preparing for Jesus—celebrating His birth at Christmas and anticipating His return at the end of time.

Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a season of hope, reflection, and readiness. While the world rushes with shopping and decorating, Advent invites us to slow down, pray, and make room for Christ.

HOW TO LIVE ADVENT WELL

Slow Down

Don’t let December pass in a blur. Create small moments of stillness—say a prayer before meals, take a few deep breaths in the morning, or sit quietly with God for five minutes.


 Daily Reflections

Choose a Bible verse, saint quote, or short meditation each day. Write down what you notice about God’s presence. Simple tools like devotionals or apps can help keep you on track.

 Pray Creatively

Prayer doesn’t have to be long or formal. Light a candle with a quick prayer of gratitude, whisper a blessing for someone you meet, or try an Advent tradition like the wreath or Jesse Tree.


 Acts of Charity 

Prepare your heart by serving others. Hold the door, donate food, send an encouraging message, or help a neighbor. Small acts of love reflect Christ’s coming.

Remember the Gift

Amid the holiday buzz, pause and remember the reason we wait: Jesus Himself. His presence transforms our lives—and we are called to share His light with others.



A WEEK-BY-WEEK GUIDE

Advent wreath, Week 1: Hope

WEEK 1

Hope

  • Light the first purple candle.

  • Reflect on a Bible verse about hope each day (try Isaiah 9:6).

  • Write down one hope or prayer intention for the season.


Advent wreath, Week 3: Joy

WEEK 3

Joy

  • Light the pink candle.

  • Practice daily gratitude by naming three blessings each night.

  • Do a random act of kindness.


Advent wreath, Week 2: Preparation

WEEK 2

Faith

  • Light the second purple candle.

  • Read an Advent reflection daily.

  • Offer a gift of service—volunteer, help with errands, or make a donation.


Advent wreath, Week 4: Love

WEEK 4

Peace

  • Light all four candles

  • Spend extra time in prayer or attend an extra Mass.

  • Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.


Did you know the Advent tells a whole story with its candles?

Each week of Advent we light a new candle, and each one has a special meaning:

  • The first purple candle, also called the Prophecy Candle, is for hope—remembering the prophets who told us the Messiah was coming.

  • The second purple candle, also called the Bethlehem Candle, is for faith—symbolizing Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

  • The pink candle—is for joy! It’s called the Shepherd’s Candle and is lit on Gaudete Sunday as a little reminder that Christmas is almost here.

  • The third purple candle, the Angel's Candle, is for peace—the angels’ message of peace on earth at Jesus’ birth.

  • And sometimes, there’s a fifth white candle in the middle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas to celebrate the light of Christ entering the world.

So, each candle isn’t just a random color—it is a joyful sign right in the middle of our waiting.


The Daily Thread of Advent

Pause for prayer. Reflect on Christ’s love. Wait with hope and intention.

Advent isn’t a checklist—it’s a journey. By slowing down, praying, serving, and reflecting, we prepare our hearts not just for Christmas day, but for Christ Himself.

This year let’s make Advent more than busy—it can be holy, joyful, and full of love.


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