Here it is the time for the season’s joy and happiness. The Christmas season is needed more preparation than any other season. We have to prepare Grocery lists, gift lists, delicious menu cards, wrapped presents, sweets, beautiful Christmas trees and cribs, the lights, and endless things have to be arranged. Along with these, we have to arrange some devotional preparation for this advent. With it, we can prepare our hearts, mind, soul, for Christmas and its joy. Let’s read the following which will help you to receive Jesus in your heart with proper preparation.
What is Advent?
Advent is a Latin word and its meaning is “coming”. It is a period of special preparation. The days of prayer, penance, and fasting. It is more of a joyous season compared to Lent. During this season, in the first two weeks, we should have to practice the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice”.
There are so many ways to make this December extra holy. Following a routine of extra devotion, we can add and brighten our days with Christmas candles.
Special Prayers
There are many prayers, books, and traditional practices that can be observed during Advent. We can keep an Advent Calendar at home. Advent Calendar is a special calendar to count the days of Advent, This is a method to anticipate Christmans in a holy way. If you are a musician, or a music lover, of course, it is a season of songs too. You can listen to the Christmas songs that bring the prayers into our hearts.
Advent Wreath
An Advent wreath is a tradition. It symbolizes the passing of the four weeks before Christmas. It is made of an evergreen wreath and four candles. We can pray or sing while lighting the candles every day. Or either you can recite Bible too.
Advent Candles
Advent candles are closely related to Advent wreaths. Candles are meant to be a symbol of light against darkness. As Christmas reaches nearer, lighting more candles symbolizes the banishment of darkness. It is a wonderful imagery of the preparation towards the birth of Jesus the light of the world.
Advent Prayers
The easiest and most spiritual way is to prepare our hearts through prayers. Here is an Advent prayer, given to you. That will help you to spread the happiness of the season from the bottom of your heart.
An Advent Prayer
Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past.
You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel.
You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.
You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like.
Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.
You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.
You come to us through men and women who need our help.
You come to us as we worship you with your people.
Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.
You will be with us at the hour of death.
You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.
You will still be God when our history has run its course.
We welcome you, the God who comes.
Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.
– Caryl Micklem, “Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship”