Carrying our Crosses

Advent is just around the corner. Advent is a time of preparation as we await the birth of our Savior. So how are you going to prepare for Advent? Here are a couple helpful tips.

 

·    Jesus tells us to pray, fast, and give alms – increase this a little bit during Advent.

 

·    Find a good Christmas book to read and meditate upon. Some books I have read (and reread) include: Joy to the World" by Scott Hahn, Jesus of Nazareth: the Infancy Narrative by Pope Benedict XVI, and The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season by Michael Barber. 

 

·    Get to church early to pray whenever possible. 

 

·    Ask for others to pray for you or pray for your intentions, whether you name them specifically or not. There is a great humility in asking others for this, just like the humility of our Lord coming to us as a baby into this world

 

·    Volunteer at your church. The statistics out there state that somewhere between around 5-8% of the people end up volunteering for 80% of the activities or opportunities. Change that number. 

 

·    Smile and be joyful, even when it’s hard. Be the Star of Bethlehem for someone that will lead them the Lord.

 

·    Sign-up for one of the many different daily Advent reflections out there. These are delivered right to your email every morning. 

 

·    Find a calendar, write a name (or two or three) on that calendar and pray for that person all day.

 

·    Read a good book on the spiritual life.

 

Make this Advent even more special than last year!

 

A blessed and holy Advent to you and your family and friends.