Christians can turn Christmas into a “pagan” or “mundane” holiday by focusing on the gifts and the tree rather than on the birth of Jesus and his promise to come again, Pope Francis said.
Advent
The Graced Days of Advent
Advent is a time of grace, called “Kairos,” a Greek word which means a graced time. As we have begun Advent, we recognize that it is our preparation time for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Growing in Holiness During Advent
People can seem a little self-obsessed nowadays, with our endless selfies and social media posts. But during the season of Advent, the Church asks us to look at ourselves in a way that isn’t about vanity, in a way that’s truthful, honest and can change us for the better.
Living by Church Calendar at Home Draws Families Closer to Saints
Growing up in St. Louis, Susanna Spencer loved her family’s Advent tradition of adorning a Jesse Tree with Old Testament symbols leading to Christ’s birth.
Be Alert!
Advent is a time to be watchful and alert to the ways one strays from God’s path.
Elmhurst Pageant Reenacts Real Meaning of Christmas
The donkey brayed and kicked as St. Francis of Assisi announced the birth of Jesus outside of St. Adalbert Church on Dec. 2.
It’s Advent, a Time to De-Clutter for Christmas
That’s why we have Advent. It aids us in the process of spiritual de-cluttering by giving us time. Waiting for Christmas is precious and is necessary, no matter how rushed the media wants us to feel about our holiday
Upcoming Advent Prayer Opportunities
Sister Ave Clark, O.P., will lead an Advent Evening of Prayer, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church in Flushing. Call 718-428-2471.
There’s Plenty to Do While We Wait
The preparation time of Advent is a time of longing and expectation. It is a time when we should give ourselves a little extra time for prayer and meditation. Those times may be the fitful times when we wait in different circumstances, times when we would rather not wait.
At Jamaica Parish, It’s Been an Angelic Advent
Heavenly angels heralded the birth of Jesus, and at Immaculate Conception Church in Jamaica Estates, homemade angels are doing the same this Advent season – joyfully preparing parishioners to receive Christ into their hearts and homes.