Advent and Christmas Resources

Here are some ideas to help your celebration of the seasons of Advent and Christmas: a time of joyful waiting and expectation, of hope and trust, and a celebration of the promises of God. HOW CAN WE PREPARE WELL THIS YEAR? (Click on any of the links below)

What is Advent? Watch this video Advent in 2 minutes

BUSTED HALO ADVENT CALENDAR (Click on each date for inspiration and ideas!) Or try this one SHARING HOPE ADVENT CALENDAR

ADVENT PRAYER

Loving God,

We give you thanks for the blessings of this holy Advent season.

You are the source of life, of hope, and of all good things.

We look forward to the coming of the light of Christ at Christmas.

Help us to turn toward that light in our lives. We rejoice at the gift of your Son who taught us to love in your name.

May we be people of peace, justice and love, all the days of our lives. Amen

Draw, paint, knit or sew a Christmas Star for your window. Your star points the way for Jesus!

A BLESSING FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE HOME

God of all creation,
we praise you for this tree
which brings beauty and memories
and the promise of life to our home.
May your blessing be upon
all who gather around this tree,
all who keep the Christmas festival by its lights.
We wait for the coming of the Christ,
the days of everlasting justice and of peace.
You are our God, living and reigning,
for ever and ever.
R. Amen.

Knit a Christmas Angel - you can contribute angels to our parish project or knit them for your own decorations at home. Email marymalahideparish.ie for the pattern.

CHILDREN’ LITURGY OF THE WORD (during Advent) 10.00 am Mass

For the four Sundays of Advent children are invited to participate in a separate Liturgy of the Word during the 10.00 am Mass. They move to the St. Finian Room in the Parish Centre where they listen to a Bible Story using Godly Play Methodology, wonder and reflect on the story, before rejoining the congregation at Mass at the Offertory. Last Sunday we started our journey to Bethlehem with the Prophets who point the way. All children are welcome each Sunday.

A PRAYER WHEN LIGHTING THE CANDLES ON THE ADVENT WREATH AT HOME

Why not think about making an Advent Wreath for your home to help countdown through this special season? You could use greenery from the garden and get 5 candles: 3 purple, 1 pink and 1 white. (If you can't get different coloured candles just use 5 plain ones). Take some time each Sunday in Advent to light the candles in turn and to pray together as a family.

First Sunday OF ADVENT: Light a Purple Candle (The Candle of Hope)

Child: God, we ask you to bless our family Advent Wreath. It has evergreen leaves, reminding us that you will always be with us…and it is shaped like a circle, with no beginning or end, just like your love for us is always there for us, surrounding us every day.

Adult: Jesus, we look forward to celebrating your birth at Christmas. Open our hearts to love all the people we meet each day.