Preparing the Way: Advent at Home Resources
Tuesday 15th December 2020Advent is the liturgical season that precedes and prepares us for Christmas. It is a season of hope and of longing, of joyful expectation and of peaceful preparation. Advent is that time of the year when we prepare to welcome Jesus into the world and our lives again.
This year we must face the prospect of experiencing Advent in a different way as Coronavirus restrictions continue to impact our daily lives.
Bishop John has encouraged us and those in our households to find time to pray together and to create a space where we can build Church at home. We hope that these resources will help to sustain your prayer life this Advent.
Bishop John Reflections
Each Sunday of Advent we will share an Advent reflection from Bishop John on our social media channels, Facebook and Twitter.
You can also find them on our YouTube channel
Preparing the Way at Advent
Advent Wreath
Blessing an Advent Wreath at Home with your Family
Written Reflections on Symbolism of Advent (for Parish Newsletters)
These will be updated weekly and can be shared in your parish newsletter or to reach those who may not have access to the internet.
First Sunday of Advent – A reflection from Fr Mark Harold
Second Sunday of Advent – A reflection from Sr Anna Yeo
Third Sunday of Advent – A reflection from Fr Simon Stamp
Fourth Sunday of Advent – A reflection from Fr Simon Firth
Television and Radio
The BBC have produced a ‘Christmas like no other’ resource, as well as a comprehensive list of radio and tv programming which will take place over Advent and the Christmas Octave. Some of the programming included in this list will be useful for those without internet access. You can view the resource by clicking here.
For Individuals
Advent Reflection Podcasts from the Jesuits
Praying Advent – Reflections to enter Advent prayerfully
Advent Scripture Resource
Finding Inspiration During Advent – Blogs and Reading
The Youth department will be sharing a weekly One Minute Word reflection on social media
For Families
A Printable Advent Calendar for Children
CAFOD’s Advent Resources for Children
Craft – Make an Advent Star for your window
MAKING A HOME CRIB
As we move through Advent towards Christmas you may wish to make your own nativity
scene to remember the reason for the season. The tradition of displaying a crèche did not
arise until the mid-12th century; it is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted to
emphasize the poor and humble circumstances in which Jesus was born. Here are just
some ideas but you can come up with your own. A short liturgy will be provided nearer
Christmas for the blessing of the nativity scene. Feel free to send in photos of your
creation and we will share them online.
Laudato Si
Jesuit Ecological Advent Calendar
Advent Music
Ready the way
Love shone down
There is a longing
Thorn in the straw
Hail Mary
Like a sea without a shore (Maranatha)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Wait for the Lord (Taize)
Online Resources
Bible society free Jesse tree
Streets of light
Pray as you go
CBCEW Liturgy Office – Digital exclusion/psalms reflections
Rejoice! Advent Meditations with the Holy Family
Videos
Busted Halo – Advent in two minutes
He Came
The Word became flesh
The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light