Hey there,
Christmas is only eight days away. Most of us are knee-deep in preparations … or scrambling to catch up.
Holiday decorating … shopping … and gift wrapping.
Baking and meal planning.
These are all part of the commercial side of Christmas, and they quickly fill our time and attention. Too often, they crowd out Advent and keep us from focusing on what truly matters.
As Catholics, Advent is a season of preparation … not just for a celebration, but for the coming of Jesus Christ.
That preparation happens through prayer, confession, and charity.
It requires us to clear away the obstacles in our lives so we can make room for the Lord … to slow down, to pray, and to listen. God speaks when we place ourselves in a position to hear Him.
It also calls us to examine our conscience and seek God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That’s why many parishes tonight are participating in The Light Is On For You, offering an evening of reconciliation and a beautiful opportunity to return to the Lord before Christmas.
And finally, Advent invites us to give of ourselves … through our time, our talents, and our treasure … in service to others.
This week’s Genuflect features resources to help us focus on these essential Advent preparations: prayer, confession, and charity. So we may experience the true joy of Christmas on December 25th.
As I’ve done in past years, I’ll be stepping away for the last two weeks of the year to spend more time with my family. Please know you’re in my prayers as Advent draws to a close and we celebrate the joy of Christmas. I’ll be back in your inbox on January 7th.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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A Season of Discernment
While we may not often think of it in this way, Advent is a season of discernment. To hear the Lord’s voice, various things are needed.
Why Advent is a Season of Discernment | Aleteia
How to Hear God
A deep relationship with God isn’t built on expertise, but on attention, trust, and surrender. Here’s how to move beyond a transactional faith and grow in a more attentive, responsive relationship with God.
Hearing and Discerning The Void of God | Catholic Exchange
How to Celebrate Advent
Feeling overwhelmed by a busier-than-ever Christmas season? Holly McClallen reframes Advent as a meaningful spiritual journey … rooted in hope, prayer, and joyful expectation … and offers a clear explanation of what Advent is and why it matters. She shares 15 practical, time-tested Catholic traditions to help you prepare your heart for Christ amid the noise of the holidays.
How to Celebrate Advent Like a Catholic | Catholic Company
Preparation vs. Anticipation
With Advent unusually short this year, it’s especially important to resist treating December as an early Christmas and instead reclaim it as a season of preparation. Confusing preparation with anticipation drains Christmas of its meaning and leaves the feast exhausted before it even begins.
Getting Advent Right| Catholic World Report
Examining Your Conscience
The Catechism says, “The reception of this sacrament ought to be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light of the word of God.” Here are some ways to prepare your heart and mind for confession.
6 Ways to Examine Your Conscience for Confession | Aleteia
Getting More From Confession
Advent is upon us! It is a time of preparation for our Lord’s birth at Christmas. Whenever we encounter Jesus, it means we have to be ready for him! Therefore Advent, like Lent, is a special time of conversion: it is a penitential season. Here’s how to get more out of confession.
Getting More From Confession | Ss. Robert & William Catholic Parish
Being The Body of Christ
While on earth, a mere touch from Jesus could bring comfort and healing. He, however, is now in heaven. Therefore, He left us to continue His mission of spreading His Gospel and love. Look around you. Someone in your midst is suffering. Reach out to them. Share God’s love and concern. Here are a few ideas.
Being the Body of Christ at Christmas | Catholic Mom
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