Advent 2021 Growth Plan
Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas (or sometimes from the 1st December to Christmas Day!). Advent means 'Coming' in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
You are invited and challenged to grow in faith this Advent. Use the growth components below to prepare your mind and heart to celebrate the birth of the Christ child and to re-invite Jesus into your life.
After each component, be sure to click Claim Your Badge, fill out the form and within 24 hours you will receive a digital badge acknowledging your achievement, and $10 will be donated to St. Charles Faith Formation.
You are invited and challenged to grow in faith this Advent. Use the growth components below to prepare your mind and heart to celebrate the birth of the Christ child and to re-invite Jesus into your life.
After each component, be sure to click Claim Your Badge, fill out the form and within 24 hours you will receive a digital badge acknowledging your achievement, and $10 will be donated to St. Charles Faith Formation.
|
Theme |
Resource + Assignment |
|
Scripture &
Song |
Here is a Bible passage and a song for each week of Advent,
plus Christmas Eve bonus! |
|
|
1. First Week = Hope: Read Isaiah 9:1-6. Listen Come Thou Long
Expected Jesus by Meredith Andrews |
|
|
2. Second Week = Preparation: Read Isaiah 40:1-5. Sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel
by Christina Grimmie |
|
|
3. Third Week = Joy: Read Matthew 2: 1-12.
Listen Joy to
the World by Hillsong Worship |
|
|
4. Fourth Week = Love: Read Luke 1:39-45. Listen Magnificat by John
Michael Talbot |
|
|
5. Christmas Eve = Adoration: Read Luke 2:1-14. Listen O
Come, All Ye Faithful by Hillsong Worship |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advent Spirituality
& Practice |
Short readings on the
Advent theme of waiting. |
|
1. Advent
by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. Observing the
Advent season with practices that honor the art of waiting. |
|
|
|
2. Seven
Spiritual Gifts of Waiting. Holly W. Whitcomb on the value of waiting,
which relates to hope. |
|
|
3. The
Meaning is in the Waiting. Paula Gooder on
pregnancy as a model of active and nurturing waiting, which is also
characteristic of the season of Advent and hope. |
|
4. Lighted
Windows: Advent Reflections for a World in Waiting. A fresh approach to
Advent by Margaret Silf. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arts &
Faith: Advent |
Enjoy video commentary about works of art
inspired by the Sunday Scriptures of Advent. Use these videos to take a new
look at this season of preparation through the lens of sacred art.
Accompanying dotMagis blog
posts offer reflections on using the art as a means of Ignatian prayer |
|
1. First Week = First
Imaginative Prayer Exercise by Vinita Hampton Wright |
|
|
2. Second Week = Second
Imaginative Prayer Exercise by Vinita Hampton Wright |
|
|
|
3. Third Week = Third
Imaginative Prayer Exercise by Vinita Hampton Wright |
|
4. Fourth Week = Fourth
Imaginative Prayer Exercise by Vinita Hampton Wright |
|
|
|
5. Christmas Day = Christmas
Imaginative Prayer Exercise by Vinita Hampton Wright |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mindful
Reflection |
These 20-minute “video retreats” will focus
on how we can be mindful during this time of preparation. To be present in
the moment in a time of waiting for the birth of our Lord. |
|
|
1. Be Alert.
Looking at the here and now. |
|
|
2. Comfort. Brining
stillness to our restless hearts. |
|
|
3. Pray Without Ceasing.
The art of practicing being intentional. |
|
|
4. Hail, Full of
Grace. Honor the present moment. Honor God’s presence. |
|
|