Preparing the Way: Advent at Home Resources

Tuesday 15th December 2020

Advent 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

You can find a collection of Advent resources in this document produced by the Department of Formation by clicking here.

This is our main Advent resource and encompasses many of the resources you will see below.

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.