Observing Advent
With The Rosary
What is Advent?
Advent is a time of preparation and penance. By observing Advent you prepare for
the coming of Jesus. This is a three-fold preparation. You prepare for...
His coming at Christmas - the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Jesus Second Coming at the end of time when He will judge both the living and the dead
His coming when you die and receive your personal judgement and if you have followed
His Commandments, enter into eternal happiness with Him in Heaven.
The main features you should be focusing on observing Advent are a love for Jesus,
prayer, personal holiness, and penance.
The daily Rosary is the best way to reach these goals. The Rosary will increase
your love for Jesus. Next to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Rosary is the
most beneficial form of prayer.
As you develop a devotion to the Rosary you will grow in personal holiness.
The Rosary can even aid in the penances you perform. You can decide to pray the
Rosary rather than watch a Christmas TV special. Or maybe pray the Rosary rather
than have that second cup of eggnog. You get the idea.
There are many ways to prepare your heart for Jesus coming at Christmas while
observing Advent...
Do you have your own family Advent traditions?
Read and share them here...
- Advent Wreath -
One of the most popular and common Advent traditions is an
Advent Wreath. An Advent Wreath is a sacramental that is usually made from evergreens
and contains four candles, three purple and one pink. To learn more about Advent
Wreaths, how they help in observing Advent, and share your own ideas,
visit here...
- Advent Prayer Companion -
A prayer book designed for use during Advent can
be used along with the Advent Wreath or as daily spiritual reading that will aid
greatly in observing Advent.
Prayer companions that have brief daily meditations perfectly complement the Advent
Wreath because they can be read after the candle is lit before the family meal
or whenever the family gathers to pray. The companions with artwork, essays,
and other spiritual aids can be used both during family prayer time and during
your personal devotions.
Below are a few good Advent Companions that I am sure will enhance your love for
Jesus, assist in your prayer life, help you gain personal holiness, and create
a spirit of penance while you are observing Advent.
Advent Meditations With Fulton J. Sheen - This book contains 28 reflections taken from Archbishop Sheen's writings. They will lead you day by day through Advent. Many themes of the season are touched upon including: patience, waiting, hope, humility and joy. Spend a few quiet moments each day with one of the 20th century's greatest preachers, preparing your heart to receive Jesus.
Preparing for Christmas with Pope Benedict XVI - Preparing for Christmas with Pope Benedict XVI is an ideal prayer companion for the busy days leading up to Christmas. The brevity of these passages make it very appropriate for family meal use along with an Advent Wreath. The antiphons, reflections, and meditations in this novena are all derived from homilies, audiences, and other talks by the Pope.
Advent Meditations with Padre Pio -The quotations found within the pages of Advent Meditations With Saint Pio of Pietrelcina are drawn from his own letters. Experience his searching, share his longing, feel his discouragement, yearn with his confidence, and exult with his hope in these daily readings. Spending a few moments each day with Saint Pio will help prepare your heart to receive Jesus at Christmas.
- Christmas Cards -
Sending Christmas Cards during this season is a popular way of observing Advent.
It lets your family and friends know you are thinking about them and praying for
them during this holy season.
Here you will see many Christmas Cards that express through art the true meaning
of the season. When your family and friends receive these, their thoughts will be
lifted to God. It will enkindle in them a love for the Baby Jesus and will encourage
them to continue seeking holiness in their lives.
- Sacred Music -
What better way to increase your love for Jesus than to
listen to sacred music. Below you will find a sampling of excellent CDs that
you are sure to enjoy while you are doing your Christmas baking, wrapping or even
decorating. Plus St. Augustine said "He who sings, prays twice."
When you sing along with these Advent and Christmas songs you are truly observing
Advent in a state of prayer.
A Sacred Christmas - CD - Includes Christmas carols, chants, hymns, Baroque music and Mass Propers. Whether reverent or jubilant, modern compositions or ancient classics, this Christmas album is truly a collection of excellent spiritual music for the holiday season.
The Announcement of Christmas - The nuns of the Abbey of Regina Laudis perform original Christmas music of the monastic tradition. The original Christmas music was sung as an act of prayer. The Announcement of Christmas carries listeners through the different phases of the season: the four weeks of Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and finally the Epiphany. With selections that range from majestic ensembles to stunning solo pieces, a musical masterpiece that at once thrills the ears and opens the heart to the birth of Christ.
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The Bells of Christmas - This recording infuses homes with the unique holiday sound of handbells including such classics as Away in A Manger and In the Bleak Midwinter. The Bells of Christmas, previously known as Hear Them Ring, is an essential addition to any Christmas music collection.
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We Celebrate Christmas-The Birth of Jesus CD - A favorite of children and adults alike, this Christmas CD includes all time Christmas favorites including: Friendly Beasts; Silent Night; Go Tell it on the Mountain; We Wish You a Merry Christmas; Joy to the World and many more.
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Sacred Arias CD - Includes Ave Maria, Panis Angelicus, Ave Verum Corpus, Pieta Signore, Silent Night, Adeste Fideles and more. Includes a beautiful book with lyrics and photos.
- Jesse Tree -
If you have young children or love arts and crafts, making a
Jesse Tree along with Advent Ornaments is for you. It is a hands on way to learn
and appreciate Salvation History by exploring the lives of Jesus' ancestors,
Old Testament heroes. Creating a Jesse Tree is a wonderful way of observing Advent.
Click here to learn more and share
your own Jesse Tree craft projects...
- Advent Calendar -
While observing Advent, count down to Christmas with an
Advent Calendar is always exciting. This is a most beloved tradition of children as their anticipation grows as the days draw closer to Christmas.
If you have never used an Advent Calendar, you are sure to enjoy the countdown
and this encouraging way of observing Advent.
Many varieties are available. Most of these calendars have little doors that
open up each day to reveal a Scripture verse or a small treat, but there are
many varying shapes and types available. Some have doors or windows decorated
with Christmas presents, candles, animals, skaters, figurines, trees, flowers,
and holy images. Each opening has a small number on it that is used as a countdown
to Christmas. Adults as well as children enjoy them. They can even become
collector's items.
We highly recommend www.aquiasandmore.com
and www.catholiccompany.com to find
beautiful and unique Catholic Advent Calendars that are sure to please adults and children alike. Be sure to check eBay as well since the variety and variations are not
limited to someone purchasing them for a store.
We hope you find some of these traditions helpful in making your Advent a time
of penance and preparation and not just a time for shopping.
If you know of any other Advent traditions or would like to tell how your family
observes this holy season, we would love to hear from you.
Click here
to read and share Advent traditions...
Whether you use some or all of these customs to help you prepare your heart for
the coming of Jesus at Christmas don't forget to continue praying the daily Rosary.
It will do much good in helping you attain personal holiness. Pray the Rosary
everyday especially during this holy season. It is the surest way to prepare your
heart and fill you with inner peace.
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To learn more about Advent and the purpose of this Liturgical Season, visit here...
Related Pages
Jesse Tree
Observing Advent
Liturgical Calendar
The Third Joyful Mystery - The Nativity
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