Advent Resources

Advent Season 2021 - November 28th - December 24th

Happy New Year! November 28th marks the beginning of a new Liturgical Year for the Church. Our year begins with the Advent Season when we anticipate and prepare for the coming of our Lord. Although Jesus is not bound by time, for love of us he became incarnate in time, thereby making all time sacred. We can experience Advent as a merging of the past (Jesus in the womb and manger), the present (the grace of Jesus in our souls) and the future (Jesus' second coming as King and Judge). Let us strive to keep the Advent Season one of anticipation, preparation, conversion and hope.

There are four Sundays in Advent, though not always four full weeks. The colors of the season are purple (conversion, Kingship) and pink (rejoicing). The readings of the Advent Season focus on key figures who were prepared and chosen by God to make the Incarnation possible: the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, Sts. Elizabeth and Zechariah. The final week before Christmas, we focus on the seven Messianic Titles of the O Antiphons.

In the United States we celebrate the special feasts of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the United States of America, on December 8th, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, on December 12th. Other saints’ days traditionally associated in with our preparation for Christmas include St. Nicholas, patron saint of children whose feast falls on December 6th, and St. Lucy, the saint of light on December 13th.

Parish Activities

The First Week of Advent
November 28 - December 4, 2021

And again Isaiah says: “The root of Jesse shall come, raised up to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit. -Romans 15:12-13

November 28th: Happy New Year! Kick off the new liturgical year by gathering around the table for a special prayer over your Advent Wreath tonight. Start the new year off on the right foot and commit to a more prayerful family life this year.

December 3rd: In honor of St. Francis Xavier, one of the first Jesuits, try the practice of the Daily Examen. It’s a new year, and perhaps it’s time try a spiritual practice you have not before.

December 6th: It’s very easy to get caught up in the commercialism of the holiday season. But, on this feast day of St. Nicholas, take a lesson from him and purchase a gift to be donated to the poor. St. Nicholas was known for abundant generosity to the poor. Consider donating to our Project Bethlehem gift drive.

Make an Advent Prayer Space in Your Home

Learn About Jesus' Family History by Making a Jesse Tree!

The Second Week of Advent
December 5-11, 2021

As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” -Luke 3:4-6

December 8th: Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, we remember that Mary, the Mother of God, was born without Original Sin. Just as her son, Jesus, was free from sin upon birth, so too, was his Blessed Mother.

December 12th: On her feast day, pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe, that she may help us never see others as burdens, especially migrants to our country and communities.

Make Heart Cookies in Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Make a Good Deed Manger!

Watch some classic Christmas movies with your family.

The Third Week of Advent
December 12-18, 2021

And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” -Luke 2:7-15

December 13th: St. Lucy is the patron saint of the blind. Celebrate by making traditional Swedish Lussekatter or cinnamon buns.

In the Gospel, we hear of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep. In the same way, God is searching for you. Make going to confession a priority this Advent, so you may enter the Christmas season with a clean heart.

December 16th: Today marks the beginning of Las Posadas, a tradition of reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. It’s a powerful reminder that Mary and Joseph were unwelcomed migrants. Let us pray today for migrants seeking shelter around the world.

December 17th: Tonight, as part of your evening or meal prayer, include the first of the O Antiphons. We will say the O Antiphons until Christmas morning.

Make a Wood Ornament to Honor St. Joseph!

The Fourth Week of Advent
December 19-24, 2021

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. -John 3:16-17

Christmas is almost here! Have you blessed your Christmas tree yet? Gather your family and use this blessing.

December 21st: Mary spent 3 months with her kinswoman Elizabeth after she was visited by the Angel Gabriel, as we learned in the Gospel today. Take time to think about how you will host (or be hosted by) friends and family in the coming days. How can you be gracious, loving, and generous?

Continue praying the O Antiphons

Make a Paper Plate Angel!

Make a Crown for Jesus!

Online Resources for Celebrating Advent

Click on the icon to be taken to the external website.

Dynamic Catholic offers short, inspirational videos each day to help you slow down, think and pray.

Loyola Press offers resources for individuals and families to celebrate the Advent season.

Fun, faithful and free activities for children ages 5-12 for every day in Advent.

Seasonal Music

Advent at Ephesus includes an amazing variety of traditional Latin and English hymns, polyphony, Gregorian Chant, medieval harmonies and an original piece to prayerfully lead you through the sacred season in preparation for Christmas.

The familiar hymn Veni Emmanuel is emblematic of the Advent season. Framing this program, the hymn paraphrases the great 'O' Antiphons, complemented here by later works echoing their rich imagery and symbolism.

With creative renditions of traditional Advent and Christmas songs, O Emmanuel features the harmonious blend of angelic children’s voices, a jazz piano trio, adult vocal soloists, and talented instrumentalists to create an unforgettable listening experience.