Advent, a cherished liturgical season in the Catholic Church, is a time of preparation, anticipation, and reflection. For families, especially those with young children, Advent provides a perfect opportunity to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas, helping children understand the deeper significance of Christ’s birth. But how do we bring this holy season into the everyday lives of our children?
In this post, we’ll explore the meaning of Advent, its importance for Catholic families, and how you can make it a time of joyful spiritual growth for your family.
1. What is Advent?
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, a four-week season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The word Advent means “coming,” and it reflects both the first coming of Christ—His birth—and His anticipated second coming. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, Advent reminds us to also prepare our hearts for His eventual return.
During these four weeks, Catholics engage in practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, mirroring the practices we often associate with Lent. Advent calls us to pause and reflect, cultivating patience and spiritual readiness in a world that often rushes toward Christmas with little regard for its true meaning
2. The Symbols of Advent
Advent is rich with symbols that help Catholics, particularly children, engage with the season in meaningful ways. Here are some key symbols that you can use to teach your children about the meaning of Advent:
The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches, represents God’s eternal love and our unending life in Christ. The wreath holds four candles—three purple and one pink—each representing an essential virtue: hope, peace, joy, and love.
- The First Candle (Hope): Known as the Prophet’s Candle, this purple candle symbolizes the hope we have in Christ’s coming.
- The Second Candle (Peace): This purple Bethlehem Candle represents the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
- The Third Candle (Joy): The pink candle, lit on Gaudete Sunday, symbolizes joy as we near Christmas.
- The Fourth Candle (Love): The final purple candle, the Angel’s Candle, reminds us of the love of God, calling us to share His love with others.
The Colors of Advent
Purple is the traditional color of Advent, symbolizing penance and preparation. Pink, used on the third Sunday, reflects the joy we feel as Christmas draws closer. These colors help children visually understand the themes of the season.
3. Why is Advent Important for Young Catholic Families?
Advent offers a time for families to teach their children about key virtues like hope, patience, and joyful anticipation. In today’s fast-paced world, where instant gratification is the norm, Advent encourages families to embrace waiting—not just for presents under the tree but for the deeper joy of celebrating Jesus’ birth.
For young Catholic families, Advent also presents an opportunity to establish meaningful traditions that focus on Christ. This season is not only about preparing for a single day (Christmas) but about preparing our hearts and minds for Jesus in every moment of our lives.
Teaching Virtues Through Advent
Each candle of the Advent wreath represents a core Christian virtue, offering a teachable moment every Sunday:
- Hope: Teach your children that, like the prophets, we await the coming of our Savior.
- Peace: Share stories about how Mary and Joseph’s journey reminds us to seek peace in difficult circumstances.
- Joy: Gaudete Sunday offers a time to focus on the joy that Christ brings to the world, even amidst challenges.
- Love: The final week of Advent encourages us to reflect on God’s love, and how we can show love to others in our actions.
4. Creating Advent Traditions for Families with Young Children
Incorporating Advent traditions into your family life can make the season not only meaningful but also engaging for children. Here are some simple, yet spiritually enriching, traditions to consider:
Advent Calendar
An Advent calendar is a fun and structured way to help children count down the days until Christmas while engaging in daily spiritual activities. The 2024 Advent Activity Book by Marianna Joy Publishing offers daily prayers, crafts, and Bible verses, making it easy to guide your children in a meaningful journey through Advent.
Crafting an Advent Wreath
Making your own Advent wreath at home can be a fun family activity. Allow your children to participate in creating the wreath and lighting the candles each week. As you light each candle, talk about the meaning of the virtue it represents, helping your children understand the deeper spiritual themes of Advent.
Daily Prayer and Reflection
One of the best ways to help children connect with Advent is through daily prayer. Use simple prayers or Bible verses to start or end each day. The 2024 Advent Activity Book includes weekly prayers for each Sunday, which can serve as a beautiful way to gather as a family in prayer.
Making Advent Meaningful for Your Family
Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas. It’s a sacred season that helps Catholic families prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christ’s birth. By incorporating simple traditions like lighting the Advent wreath, following an Advent calendar, and praying together, you can make this season meaningful for your children and help them grow in their faith.
Ready to make this Advent season truly meaningful for your family? Download “100 Fun Ideas for Young Catholic Families to Prepare for Advent 2024” and discover faith-filled activities that will bring the true spirit of Christmas into your home.
