WANT TO ADD TO HOPE, JOY, REFLECTION, HEALING?
Then you can do Advent - If Catholics do take time for Advent, they can find it to be a meaningful season.
Then you can do Advent - If Catholics do take time for Advent, they can find it to be a meaningful season.
ADVENT TELLS US IT’S OKAY TO HOPE
It is okay to hope. It is alright, come this time of year, to think that you might indeed find joy, find a bit of peace and contentment.
It is okay to hope. It is alright, come this time of year, to think that you might indeed find joy, find a bit of peace and contentment.
SPEND ADVENT WITH LAUDATO SI' AND A QUESTION: WHAT IS GOD ASKING OF ME?
From "Earthbeat" - A series of reflections, an Advent journey through Pope Francis' environmental encyclical.
From "Earthbeat" - A series of reflections, an Advent journey through Pope Francis' environmental encyclical.
THIS ADVENT, TAKE A LESSON FROM THOMAS MERTON
The message was timely in 1968, and it is even timelier today. As structures fail us, how can we know what we should do? What and whom should we trust?
The message was timely in 1968, and it is even timelier today. As structures fail us, how can we know what we should do? What and whom should we trust?
10 MEANINGFUL ADVENT TRADITIONS TO TRY THIS YEAR
The usual Advent wreaths and mini-chocolate calendars are tried and true practices but perhaps going beyond the expected traditions could make us pause for a bit more mindfulness this season.
The usual Advent wreaths and mini-chocolate calendars are tried and true practices but perhaps going beyond the expected traditions could make us pause for a bit more mindfulness this season.
WHAT ARE THE ‘O’ ANTIPHONS?
A magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ...
A magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ...
THE HOPE AND DARKNESS OF ADVENT
Christmas is coming, but it is not yet. Advent bids us wait, declaring justice is not yet either, but it will just as surely come.
Christmas is coming, but it is not yet. Advent bids us wait, declaring justice is not yet either, but it will just as surely come.
EXPECTANT WAITING
While we often think of waiting as the lack of something that we want, filled with anxiety from uncertainty, "Advent calls us instead to 'rejoice in hope.'"
While we often think of waiting as the lack of something that we want, filled with anxiety from uncertainty, "Advent calls us instead to 'rejoice in hope.'"
AWAY IN A MANGER, NO ROOM AT THE SHOPPING MALL
Surrounded by the pressure to be consumers in an ever-expanding Christmas season, it takes discipline to preserve Advent's sense of expectation.
Surrounded by the pressure to be consumers in an ever-expanding Christmas season, it takes discipline to preserve Advent's sense of expectation.
ADVENT IN MUSIC. SEVEN ANTIPHONS, ALL WORTH DISCOVERING AGAIN
From December 17 until the day before Christmas Eve, 7 antiphons are sung, one per day, all of them beginning with an invocation to Jesus, although he is never called by name.
From December 17 until the day before Christmas Eve, 7 antiphons are sung, one per day, all of them beginning with an invocation to Jesus, although he is never called by name.
HOW ARE YOU LIVING THE INCARNATION?
Perhaps during Advent, we can find hope in remembering the meaning of Incarnation and the challenge to live it today.
Perhaps during Advent, we can find hope in remembering the meaning of Incarnation and the challenge to live it today.
TO KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS, WE NEED ADVENT
Beware, the Gospel of Luke warns. Do not get too caught up in the anxieties of daily life such that Jesus’ arrival will "catch you by surprise like a trap."
Beware, the Gospel of Luke warns. Do not get too caught up in the anxieties of daily life such that Jesus’ arrival will "catch you by surprise like a trap."
ADVENT PREVIEW
Arts & Faith: Advent: Enjoy video commentary about works of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures of Advent. Use these videos to take a new look at this season of preparation through the lens of sacred art.
Arts & Faith: Advent: Enjoy video commentary about works of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures of Advent. Use these videos to take a new look at this season of preparation through the lens of sacred art.
THE JESSE TREE
Free Slideshow: The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history.
Free Slideshow: The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history.
ADVENT REFLECTIONS: WEEK ONE
The video for the first week of Advent focuses on the beginning of our journey into discovering God once again, this year, this time.
The video for the first week of Advent focuses on the beginning of our journey into discovering God once again, this year, this time.
THE CONTEMPLATION ON THE INCARNATION AND ADVENT
As we pray, may we be reminded that the Trinity is still gazing down upon the world and seeing, hearing, and feeling what we notice today.
As we pray, may we be reminded that the Trinity is still gazing down upon the world and seeing, hearing, and feeling what we notice today.
ADVENT REFLECTIONS
Familiar Advent themes of longing for God and waiting in hope take on a special meaning for us in the midst of the storm that surrounds us. As always, God is perhaps giving us a special opportunity this year to grow deeper in hope and stronger in the embrace of God's love.
Familiar Advent themes of longing for God and waiting in hope take on a special meaning for us in the midst of the storm that surrounds us. As always, God is perhaps giving us a special opportunity this year to grow deeper in hope and stronger in the embrace of God's love.
SIMPLE ADVENT, ABUNDANT LIFE: BEGINNING A JOURNEY TO SIMPLIFY
These daily Advent reflections will explore connections between simple living and abundant life on the earth. Sign up here to receive the reflections each day in your inbox.
These daily Advent reflections will explore connections between simple living and abundant life on the earth. Sign up here to receive the reflections each day in your inbox.
HOW TO FIND ADVENT IN THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS
How do we keep Advent a time of quiet preparation in the midst of a world that started singing “Joy to the World” the day after Thanksgiving? Slow down and be present to the Christmas joy that surrounds you.
How do we keep Advent a time of quiet preparation in the midst of a world that started singing “Joy to the World” the day after Thanksgiving? Slow down and be present to the Christmas joy that surrounds you.
OPEN SOME DOORS THIS ADVENT
Advent is a season of opening doors. It is a time to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the Holy One so that more of the divine presence within us shines through and offers a welcome to others.
Advent is a season of opening doors. It is a time to deepen and strengthen our relationship with the Holy One so that more of the divine presence within us shines through and offers a welcome to others.
ADVENT 2020: REFLECTIONS, PODCASTS AND MORE
Reflections, podcasts, playlists and more resources to help you prepare for the coming of our Lord. To prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, America is publishing daily reflections along with other essays, podcasts and videos.
Reflections, podcasts, playlists and more resources to help you prepare for the coming of our Lord. To prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, America is publishing daily reflections along with other essays, podcasts and videos.
CREATIVITY AND HEALING IN ADVENT
The same divine power that brought us the Christ Child in the manger also infuses our lives and gives us the power to be creative. And it also gives us the power to bring healing, to create something new out of something that is difficult for us.
The same divine power that brought us the Christ Child in the manger also infuses our lives and gives us the power to be creative. And it also gives us the power to bring healing, to create something new out of something that is difficult for us.
IRREVOCABLE
No curfew or restriction can silence a grateful heart. We can and should take time to express gratitude for all the blessings God has given us, especially those we routinely take for granted.
No curfew or restriction can silence a grateful heart. We can and should take time to express gratitude for all the blessings God has given us, especially those we routinely take for granted.
AFTER A YEAR OF WAITING, DON’T RUSH THROUGH ADVENT
Pandemic or no pandemic, God is not calling us to a normal life but rather is calling us to trust in something extraordinary so that our lives might serve a higher purpose and we ultimately spend eternity with God. And if you want to get there, you have to learn how to wait.
Pandemic or no pandemic, God is not calling us to a normal life but rather is calling us to trust in something extraordinary so that our lives might serve a higher purpose and we ultimately spend eternity with God. And if you want to get there, you have to learn how to wait.
DOING SOME REAL ADVENT SPIRITUAL WORK
The great and ancient Advent chant, "O come, O come, Emmanuel/ and ransom captive Israel/," catches this fundamental Christian truth. Until we feel like prisoners held for ransom, men and women condemned to hopeless exile, we will not sing those words with anything even approaching conviction.
The great and ancient Advent chant, "O come, O come, Emmanuel/ and ransom captive Israel/," catches this fundamental Christian truth. Until we feel like prisoners held for ransom, men and women condemned to hopeless exile, we will not sing those words with anything even approaching conviction.
CREATIVITY DURING ADVENT: A WRITING EXERCISE
This is not an exercise in following the Scriptural account of Jesus’ birth. Rather, it is an exercise in imagining who Jesus might be in today’s world—what family he might come from, where he might be born, what the political and social context might be, and so forth.
This is not an exercise in following the Scriptural account of Jesus’ birth. Rather, it is an exercise in imagining who Jesus might be in today’s world—what family he might come from, where he might be born, what the political and social context might be, and so forth.
DURING PANDEMIC, THE ADVENT PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH GIVE COMFORT
As we pick up the pieces and emerge from the darkness this time, we have a chance not merely to restore but to reimagine. Is there a way, this time, to bring the comfort to everyone, and not just to the privileged ones?
As we pick up the pieces and emerge from the darkness this time, we have a chance not merely to restore but to reimagine. Is there a way, this time, to bring the comfort to everyone, and not just to the privileged ones?
ADVENT IN THE RUINS
On our mind this season is the arrival of a kingdom long promised. Thus it is in Advent, we get bossy, we make the same kind of demands, but this time, not with those things which speak or show or sound of God, but a plea to the Almighty Himself: come Lord Jesus, come.
On our mind this season is the arrival of a kingdom long promised. Thus it is in Advent, we get bossy, we make the same kind of demands, but this time, not with those things which speak or show or sound of God, but a plea to the Almighty Himself: come Lord Jesus, come.
WHAT IS MESSIANIC EXPECTATION IN THE OLD TESTAMENT?
What precisely do the Holy Scriptures tell us about this "messiah" of God who will restore justice and peace to Israel? What do they reveal to us about His mission?
What precisely do the Holy Scriptures tell us about this "messiah" of God who will restore justice and peace to Israel? What do they reveal to us about His mission?
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? PLANETARY ALIGNMENT TO CREATE A 'CHRISTMAS STAR'
A star, a star will dance in the night on Dec. 21. Actually, it won't be a star, but the so-called "great conjunction" of two planets — Jupiter and Saturn — creating something similar to what some astronomers suggest the wise men may have seen in the biblical account of the birth of Jesus.
A star, a star will dance in the night on Dec. 21. Actually, it won't be a star, but the so-called "great conjunction" of two planets — Jupiter and Saturn — creating something similar to what some astronomers suggest the wise men may have seen in the biblical account of the birth of Jesus.
PEACEMAKING IS THE ESSENTIAL WORK OF OUR TIME
Some peacemakers get Nobel Prizes, but most are ordinary people who do extraordinary, countercultural things.
Some peacemakers get Nobel Prizes, but most are ordinary people who do extraordinary, countercultural things.
LIGHT THE WAY TO CHRISTMAS WITH AN ADVENT WREATH
We pray as we light the candles of the wreath that our light may reflect the splendor of Christ.
We pray as we light the candles of the wreath that our light may reflect the splendor of Christ.
‘O’ ANTIPHONS, ‘O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM’
From "The God Who Sings:" Listen to 19 tracks of classical musical reflections revolving around the "Magnificat" of Mary, the "O Antiphons" and responsory, "O Magnum Mysterium".
From "The God Who Sings:" Listen to 19 tracks of classical musical reflections revolving around the "Magnificat" of Mary, the "O Antiphons" and responsory, "O Magnum Mysterium".
‘THE GREAT JOY’
It’s into this grim, broken world, “this demented inn, in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, that Christ comes unbidden.” We just need to be ready to recognize and welcome him.
It’s into this grim, broken world, “this demented inn, in which there is absolutely no room for him at all, that Christ comes unbidden.” We just need to be ready to recognize and welcome him.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, IT’S ADVENT
The celebration of the birth of Jesus, if it indeed began by co-opting a pagan feast, has come full circle: Advent and Christmas have been co-opted by pagan capitalism. Advent is now for shopping, not for preparing the way of the Lord.
The celebration of the birth of Jesus, if it indeed began by co-opting a pagan feast, has come full circle: Advent and Christmas have been co-opted by pagan capitalism. Advent is now for shopping, not for preparing the way of the Lord.
ADVENT IS A SEASON OF “HOPING WITH”
Advent is all about “hoping with.” While we hope for the second coming, the more important focus is on the “who” that we hope with and who hopes with us, God.
Advent is all about “hoping with.” While we hope for the second coming, the more important focus is on the “who” that we hope with and who hopes with us, God.
THIS ADVENT, MAKE ROOM FOR A FUTURE WITHOUT FEAR
Advent is a reminder that, while you and I may be sick and tired of caution and risk, God isn’t giving up on humanity and its possibilities.
Advent is a reminder that, while you and I may be sick and tired of caution and risk, God isn’t giving up on humanity and its possibilities.
HE WHO IS TO COME
A careful study of the readings chosen for Advent in the early centuries reveals that the church at the start of a new liturgical year was more concerned with celebrating Jesus as “he who is to come.”
A careful study of the readings chosen for Advent in the early centuries reveals that the church at the start of a new liturgical year was more concerned with celebrating Jesus as “he who is to come.”
Discomfort Ye My People: On Advent and Exile
We can embrace the comfort of the Messiah only to the extent we have faced the discomfort of our own sins. Advent is the season of contrition, leading toward the season of rejoicing. The glory of the latter is proportionate to the bleakness of the former.
We can embrace the comfort of the Messiah only to the extent we have faced the discomfort of our own sins. Advent is the season of contrition, leading toward the season of rejoicing. The glory of the latter is proportionate to the bleakness of the former.
BELIEVED TRUTH MUST BECOME LIVED REALITY
In the face of the danger of living as if the Church were only scandals, controversies, clashes of personalities, gossip or at most some goodwill in the social field, we must look at the Church from within, in the strongest sense of the word, in the light of the mystery of which she is the bearer.
In the face of the danger of living as if the Church were only scandals, controversies, clashes of personalities, gossip or at most some goodwill in the social field, we must look at the Church from within, in the strongest sense of the word, in the light of the mystery of which she is the bearer.
MANTLE OF ADVENT OFFERS GRACES NEEDED TO WEATHER ANY STORM
By hope, we can see God’s presence among us and can rejoice, even in the midst of disappointments and scandals. Hope reminds us that God is still at work in our world and that all things will end well for those who love him.
By hope, we can see God’s presence among us and can rejoice, even in the midst of disappointments and scandals. Hope reminds us that God is still at work in our world and that all things will end well for those who love him.
ADVENT REGENERATION
As we head into the season and work, in whatever way that might be, even if it is leaving, regenerating the Church, may we continually recite one of the Pope's favorite short prayers: "Come, Lord Jesus."
As we head into the season and work, in whatever way that might be, even if it is leaving, regenerating the Church, may we continually recite one of the Pope's favorite short prayers: "Come, Lord Jesus."
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS NOT YOUR SAVIOR — CHRIST IS
The Christmas season is not your savior. Christ is. Your inability to feel joy in response to a season says nothing about your relationship to your savior.
The Christmas season is not your savior. Christ is. Your inability to feel joy in response to a season says nothing about your relationship to your savior.
WE BRING JOY TO THE WORLD BY LIVING OUT GOD’S PLAN FOR US
On Gaudete Sunday (and always), we should find joy in God’s presence in our lives, looking for ways to foster joy in the world as we live out our faith.
On Gaudete Sunday (and always), we should find joy in God’s presence in our lives, looking for ways to foster joy in the world as we live out our faith.
WHAT ADVENT TEACHES US ABOUT WONDER
The season of Advent has a finite beginning and end, but Advent as an experience is ongoing. It is always unfolding because we are being called continuously to be Christ bearers in the world.
The season of Advent has a finite beginning and end, but Advent as an experience is ongoing. It is always unfolding because we are being called continuously to be Christ bearers in the world.
Praying the O Antiphons
“O Emmanuel. O God with us.” This is the “O Antiphon,” one of seven, with which we are most familiar, sung in that marvelous hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” These Latin texts echo the names of Christ revealed in Scripture and are sung the last week of Advent before Christmas Eve.
“O Emmanuel. O God with us.” This is the “O Antiphon,” one of seven, with which we are most familiar, sung in that marvelous hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” These Latin texts echo the names of Christ revealed in Scripture and are sung the last week of Advent before Christmas Eve.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS MOMENTS
Advent and Christmas are the holy days par excellence for engaging children and families in the treasury of the liturgical year.
Advent and Christmas are the holy days par excellence for engaging children and families in the treasury of the liturgical year.
ADVENT WITH SAINT FRANCIS
Experience daily Advent messages sent right to your inbox! Sign up for a daily email series, where offering meditations on the Christmas season, St. Francis, and the wonders of the Incarnation.
Experience daily Advent messages sent right to your inbox! Sign up for a daily email series, where offering meditations on the Christmas season, St. Francis, and the wonders of the Incarnation.
ADVENT CALENDAR FOR ADULTS
Following a traditional Advent calendar format, the experience invites you to slow down this season and discover the quiet moments of Advent hope.
Following a traditional Advent calendar format, the experience invites you to slow down this season and discover the quiet moments of Advent hope.
ADVENT RESOURCES - IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY
Contemplation and reflective prayer encourage us in the season of Advent. Here are highlighted Advent resources in the tradition of Ignatian spirituality.
Contemplation and reflective prayer encourage us in the season of Advent. Here are highlighted Advent resources in the tradition of Ignatian spirituality.
MAKE ADVENT COUNT!
As Christ gives Himself simply to us as an infant babe, so we can prepare for His coming by giving ourselves to others in simple and ordinary ways.
As Christ gives Himself simply to us as an infant babe, so we can prepare for His coming by giving ourselves to others in simple and ordinary ways.
ADVENT ATTITUDE
A eflection on all the ways Jesus could have come into the world, but didn’t. An ecumentical Christian advent messege that cuts through all the political thoughts prevailing all Christians on social media.
A eflection on all the ways Jesus could have come into the world, but didn’t. An ecumentical Christian advent messege that cuts through all the political thoughts prevailing all Christians on social media.
LIBERATION THEOLOGY OFFERS A CLEARER LOOK AT THE FIRST ADVENT
Understanding the world Jesus was born into can offer hope to victims of injustice.
Understanding the world Jesus was born into can offer hope to victims of injustice.
EVANGELIZATION CONSUMMATES WITH ENCOUNTER
Evangelization is a term that is oftentimes misunderstood, taken to mean the desire to conform another’s will to our own, rather than lovingly introducing those we meet to Christ and the love he offers to all.
Evangelization is a term that is oftentimes misunderstood, taken to mean the desire to conform another’s will to our own, rather than lovingly introducing those we meet to Christ and the love he offers to all.
EMBRACING GOD’S STORY IN NAZARETH: HOW TO SPEND ADVENT WITH ST. FRANCIS
Although Advent is a time of joyful anticipation, it is also a time when we can order our hearts to prepare for the coming of the Christ child.
Although Advent is a time of joyful anticipation, it is also a time when we can order our hearts to prepare for the coming of the Christ child.
REIMAGINGING ADVENT THROUGH THE IGNATIAN EXAMEN
Sign-up for Loyola Press' daily e-mail series for Advent 2023. The Examen is a way of prayerfully reflecting on the events of the day. The prayer helps us see God’s hand at work in our experiences.
Sign-up for Loyola Press' daily e-mail series for Advent 2023. The Examen is a way of prayerfully reflecting on the events of the day. The prayer helps us see God’s hand at work in our experiences.
5 VIRTUAL RETREATS FOR A PRAYERFUL ADVENT WHEREVER YOU ARE
If you’d like to take part in an Advent retreat this year, but it’s not going to work to get to one in person, check out these 5 online options.
If you’d like to take part in an Advent retreat this year, but it’s not going to work to get to one in person, check out these 5 online options.
PREPARE MY HEART
God my creator, and the one who loves my soul, prepare my awareness for the Advent days ahead so that I can dwell in every moment with intention, gratitude, and purpose.
God my creator, and the one who loves my soul, prepare my awareness for the Advent days ahead so that I can dwell in every moment with intention, gratitude, and purpose.
DESPITE CHALLENGES, PROMISE OF ADVENT SHINES BRIGHT INTO OUR DARKNESS
A panel of 20 sisters reflect on issues that impact the lives of Catholic women religious around the globe.
A panel of 20 sisters reflect on issues that impact the lives of Catholic women religious around the globe.
ADVENT HELPS MAKE CHRISTMAS MORE ABOUT PEOPLE THAN THINGS
What are the necessary, practical things this Advent that we need to do to prepare for Christmas?
What are the necessary, practical things this Advent that we need to do to prepare for Christmas?
ADVENT: A SEASON OF HOPE
The twofold approach to the season allows Advent to teach us about God’s presence among us. In Advent, we learn that God is the basis of hope, and that such hope is the basis for increasing our love of this life.
The twofold approach to the season allows Advent to teach us about God’s presence among us. In Advent, we learn that God is the basis of hope, and that such hope is the basis for increasing our love of this life.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF ADVENT IN OUR BROKEN WORLD?
It can be difficult to acknowledge the presence of Advent, let alone take any time to reflect on its meaning. Fr. Dan Horan returns to two of Thomas Merton's essays to renew our understanding of the liturgical season.
It can be difficult to acknowledge the presence of Advent, let alone take any time to reflect on its meaning. Fr. Dan Horan returns to two of Thomas Merton's essays to renew our understanding of the liturgical season.
7 WAYS TO STAY MERRY THIS CHRISTMAS
Preparations for Christmas can feel overwhelming, using up our time, energy, and money. These seven helpful hints can help you stay grounded and centered during this busy and beautiful time of year.
Preparations for Christmas can feel overwhelming, using up our time, energy, and money. These seven helpful hints can help you stay grounded and centered during this busy and beautiful time of year.
ALL IS CALM: SCRIPTURE’S RADICAL CALL TO REST DURING ADVENT
The nativity story is replete with theological, familial, and political lessons about rest that quietly proclaim God’s goodness to this weary world.
The nativity story is replete with theological, familial, and political lessons about rest that quietly proclaim God’s goodness to this weary world.
THE SEASON OF WAITING ISN’T ALWAYS JOYFUL
Advent is a time to acknowledge that waiting can sometimes be painful and lonely.
Advent is a time to acknowledge that waiting can sometimes be painful and lonely.
THE 'MARIAN PRINCIPLE' AND MINISTRY — AN ADVENT REFLECTION
In addition to Advent's focus on prophetic hope, this season is a time to focus on Mary the mother of Jesus.
In addition to Advent's focus on prophetic hope, this season is a time to focus on Mary the mother of Jesus.
THE WONDER AND SURPRISE OF THE O ANTIPHONS
The word “O” dates back to the 13th century. But what does it actually mean?
The word “O” dates back to the 13th century. But what does it actually mean?
LEANING INTO THE HOPE OF ADVENT WHEN THE WORLD FEELS SO DARK
We are in “now and not yet” circumstances, the dark time before the dawn. We know what’s right, but wrongs keep happening. Advent can serve as a source of spiritual resilience and a reminder that there is hope for a brighter future.
We are in “now and not yet” circumstances, the dark time before the dawn. We know what’s right, but wrongs keep happening. Advent can serve as a source of spiritual resilience and a reminder that there is hope for a brighter future.
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