Advent To The Full

Goal

To appreciate that the Christmas season starts with Advent.

Grab

What is your favorite Christmas tradition to share with your family?

Grace

Read: Luke 3:4 "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."

In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations often begin as early as September. Yet December is not only about festivities. Before Christmas comes Advent. And just as Lent prepares us for Easter, Advent prepares our hearts, our families and our homes for the coming of Jesus. 

Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus,” which means arrival. It is a four-week liturgical season of waiting, reflection and joyful expectation. In the prayers and readings of Advent, the Church invites us to step back from the noise, to let go of distractions and rediscover the meaning behind everything we celebrate. It is both a penitential and hope-filled season. A time when we remember that even in our season of waiting, God is already drawing near. If we are truly waiting for Jesus, then how can live Advent to the full? Here are three simple but meaningful ways for our families to prepare:

1.  Offer a Sacrifice. Advent, like Lent, is a penitential season. That is why the priest wears purple and why the Gloria is set aside until the Savior comes. We rejoice in anticipation, even though the Gift has not yet arrived. Making a small sacrifice helps create space in our hearts for prayer and reflection. As a family, consider giving up something you enjoy or choose a simple act of self-denial. When done together, this becomes a shared offering of love and an intentional reminder of what truly matters.

2. Have a Devotion. Choose a special Advent devotion that brings your family together. It could be praying the Rosary, reading Scripture, saying a short prayer at night or sharing what you are grateful for. Instead of simply becoming busier, let this season deepen your spiritual life. Let it rekindle the fire of faith and renew your hope in your home. A family that prays together during this season also grows closer to Christ and to one another.

3.  Go to Confession. Advent is also a time for renewal and healing. Going to confession as a family allows each person to reflect, seek forgiveness and start anew. Confession clears our hearts and minds, making room for Christ’s peace and grace. Bring your sins, your struggles and your guilt to Jesus. Let Him prepare your heart so that you can celebrate His birth with freedom and joy.

Sacrifice, devotion and confession may not be the words we usually associate with Christmas. Yet when we understand the bigger picture of Advent, we see how these practices open the space where God’s gifts can be received.

Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas. It is a call to prepare, reflect and live intentionally. We are not merely people excited for parties and gifts, but we are Catholics longing for Christ. The world may tell us to fill our calendars, but Advent tells us that less is more: less noise, more silence; less rushing, more reflection; less focus on material things and more space for the One who matters most. This Christmas, may we truly live Advent to the full!

Gather

1. Am I living Advent differently or am I celebrating December?

2. How can I prepare my home and my heart not just for a holiday, but for the Gift of Jesus himself this season?

Go Forth

Talk with your spouse or your family and decide on concrete ways you can make this season a true preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Give

God is Generous, and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. 

For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: https://bit.ly/MFCTithes2025

Go On Mission

Seek for opportunities to service in MFC and/ or LCSC. MFC members 3 years and up are encouraged to go on mission in your own area or province. This can be done as a couple, with your household, or with your family. #FamiliesOnMission