Introduction
A
dvent is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a time of baking, gift making, buying, and wrapping. It’s a time of expectant waiting, anticipating, and spiritually preparing for the coming of Christ Jesus. In the Office of Readings for Wednesday of the first week of Advent, a meditation by St. Bernard of Clairvaux reflects on the three comings of Jesus. The first coming is when Jesus was born and lived on earth. The second is when he comes to live in each of us in spirit and power. The third is when he comes again in majesty and glory. Advent: A Family Celebration offers prayerful, helpful, and fun ways to live out the four weeks of this beautiful season and to celebrate all three of Jesus’ comings. The major portion of this book is designed to help families reflect each day on the Advent Mass readings. These reflections can be read in conjunction with the lighting of the Advent wreath—a familiar and beloved symbol of Advent used in many Catholic homes. The Advent wreath, with its four candles, helps us to celebrate Christ, the Light who is coming into the world. It also heightens our expectancy of Christ’s coming in the flesh, as each week is marked by the lighting of another candle. The daily Scripture readings and reflections reveal the awesome truth that Christ lives in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We reflect on Christ’s working in other situations and become more aware of ways he can work in us and through us to hasten the kingdom of God. Unless otherwise noted, each day’s reflections are based on true stories. Let your children know that these events really happened. They will help your child move from ideas and thoughts about God to recognizing the difference that faith makes in everyday circumstances and Intoduction | 7
