1. ADVENT – the four weeks of preparation before Christmas, means, “coming”. The Liturgical calendar – year!

2. The Liturgical year begins with the First Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for Jesus’ birth. Although he was already born in Bethlehem, we prepare to celebrate his birth. Advent anticipates Jesus’ coming into our world today, into our own life and in the people we encounter every day. Advent helps us bring Jesus into our daily struggles and joys and helps us to work through our difficulties. Advent also looks forward to the coming of Jesus at the end of time to bring God’s Reign over all the world.

3. is a time to reflect on the coming of Jesus in the past, in the present and in the…. FUTURE! Thus the Advent season…

4. BY BEING MORE PRAYERFUL…. RECEIVING RECONCILIATION Going to church, reading scripture, meditating. HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR JESUS’ BIRTH?

5. The Advent wreath reminds us that Christ is coming into our world and hearts.

6. The Advent wreath focuses on the theme of light coming into darkness. The first week, a candle is lit in anticipation of the coming of Christ. Jesus is the “light of the world” who dispels all darkness. When we let him into our hearts, we are set free from darkness and sin. As each week passes, another candle is lit, until four candles are burning brightly just before Christmas.

7. If there is a middle candle, it represents Jesus’ birth.

8. Read the handout and follow the directions on the Advent prayer Journey.

9. CHRISTMAS DAY! HOW WILL YOU PREPARE FOR JESUS’ COMING? LET US NOW REFLECT ON THE WORD OF GOD.