During Advent we are sharing family prayers and suggestions for acts of kindness or charity that all of us are encouraged to undertake during the month of December. The Advent Calendar is also also offering tips on how families can care for our common home by having a more sustainable Christmas.
Advent Random Act of Kindness
Don’t just buy presents – be present to someone.
Don’t just wrap gifts – wrap a loved one in a hug.
Don’t just send gifts – send peace.
Don’t just see the lights at this time of year – be the light!
Let’s Be Family – Act of Charity
Give some time to volunteering with one of the many worthy charities and causes, especially at this time of the year when there are extra demands on their services.
Living Advent by Caring for Our Common Home
Advent and Christmas offer us an opportunity to reflect on how we co-exist with the animal world. In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis says, “If we approach nature and the environment without this openness to awe and wonder, if we no longer speak the language of fraternity and beauty in our relationship with the world, our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on their immediate needs. By contrast, if we feel intimately united with all that exists, then sobriety and care will well up spontaneously.”
Look out for the birds and other small wild animals over the winter period.
Living Advent by welcoming Migrants and Refugees
At home, at school, at work, wherever we go today, let us be committed to welcoming the vulnerabilities of our brothers and sisters with whom we come into contact.
Advent Prayers
Our Prayer Intention for the Day to Pray Together
We pray for peace, especially in countries ravaged by war; that nation will not lift sword against nation and the weapons of war may be replaced by instruments of peace.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
