Hey there,
Christmas is now in full swing. At least that’s what the retailers tell us.
We Catholics know that before we celebrate, we need to prepare for the coming of Our Lord. And of course, that preparation is done with the season of Advent.
According to our Liturgical Calendar, Advent begins this Sunday. Unlike the celebration of the Christmas season, Advent is a penitential season … like Lent, meant to be spent in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Last year we looked at the differences between the seasons of Advent and Christmas and how to celebrate or recognize each one.
I’ve recently learned something new for Advent. It’s a special prayer called the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena. Or you may have heard it called the Christmas Novena, St. Andrew’s Novena, St. Andrew’s Christmas Prayer, or the Christmas Anticipation Prayer.
Even though I’ve just learned of it, the prayer is more than 100 years old.
And even though it’s called the Christmas Novena, it’s prayed during Advent.
And even though it’s called a Novena, it lasts for 25 days … not just nine. Begin praying the Novena tomorrow, November 30th, and pray it every day until December 24th.
And even though it’s called the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, you’re not praying to Saint Andrew for his intercession. The prayer is to God. The Novena most likely got its name because it begins on Saint Andrew’s Feast day.
And even though it’s a short prayer, you recite it 15 times per day. You can split it up over the course of the day if you want to.
So, it’s really the “Christmas Preparation That Begins on Saint Andrew’s Feast Day and Goes Throughout Advent Prayer.” But I guess Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena has a better ring to it.
This week’s issue of Genuflect takes a close look at the Saint we celebrate tomorrow, Saint Andrew the Apostle, and the Novena named in his honor.
I invite you to join me in preparing for the coming of Our Lord by praying the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena this Advent.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
St. Andrew The Apostle
Pamela Mandela walks us through what we know about the life of Saint Andrew from Holy Scripture as well as tradition.
Saint Andrew The Apostle | My Catholic Life!
St. Andrew Lessons
Saint Andrew immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. He gave up his life to follow Him and dedicated his life to bringing others to Christ. Here are 5 things we can learn from Saint Andrew to model in our own life.
A Tribute to St. Andrew, The Apostle | Catholic Stand
10 Things About St. Andrew
St. Andrew was one of the first followers of Jesus, but he’s not talked about a lot. So here are 10 things to know about him.
St. Andrew The Apostle: 10 Things to Know And Share | National Catholic Register
A Perfect Advent Saint
We celebrate the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle on November 30th each year. And it’s the day that determines when Advent will begin. Philip Kosloski makes the case that Saint Andrew is the perfect Saint to model for Advent. Here’s why.
Why St. Andrew is a Perfect Advent Saint | Aleteia
Christmas Novena
In this great overview of the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, Scott Richert explains how to pray the Novena, what the prayer means, and even provides the definition of some of the words.
Learn About The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena Prayer | Learn Religions
Novena Tips
Saying a prayer 15 times a day over 25 days can sound a little intimidating. Theresa Barber offers three tips for remembering to say the prayer each day.
Don’t be Caught by Surprise – The Christmas Anticipation Prayer Starts Tomorrow! | Aleteia
genuflect: prayer
Pray the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena begins tomorrow, November 30th and continues daily until Christmas Eve. You’ll find all the instructions for praying The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena here.
genuflect: bonus
Add The Novena Prayer to Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers.
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
