Meditations/Devotionals
You need some sort of specific meditation book that will walk with you through this 4-week journey. What you choose depends on your personality, goals, and time allowance.
This year I’m excited to use the Blessed is She Advent Devotional. I received this as a gift and I wanted to share it with you because this would be a very easy way to get some spiritual reading and reflection into your day.
In the past I’ve used the following books. Meditations for Advent is a very deep and thoughtful reflection that I plan on opening year after near, no matter what else I’m doing. If you’re looking to walk through Advent with a Saint, there’s a whole series of books like the one below. Pick your Saint and enjoy meditating on his or her wisdom throughout the season.
Advent Calendar & Wreath
I grew up with an Advent calendar. My mom would fill it with Andes mints and each night after dinner my sister and I took turn moving the counter and passing out the chocolate.
As we get deeper into our faith, our Advent calendar went from a Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Holy Family. Little trade-outs or changes like that help to keep the season properly focused on God.
I purchased my previous Advent calendar from The Catholic Co. but nothing they currently have in stock spoke to my heart so if you find a good one with pockets, please share in the comments below.
We also seem to have misplaced our Advent wreath in the move … so that’ll be something I’ll be purchasing soon to make sure we can pray each night by candlelight. Do you make your own wreath or buy one?
Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a devotion that lets you and your children walk through Advent scripturally. It’s a way to prepare our hearts of Christ. The below is lovely, in that is supplies readings appropriate for children and adults.
Children's Devotional/Resources
There are many ways to enrich the Advent season for your children, from Brother Francis to an Advent Storybook to Morning Time plans. Below are some favorites that we use to make the time special for our kids.
This year Chloe will be using the Blessed is She Advent devotional for kids. The pages that seem appropriate for younger children (she’s 11) I’ll be making photo copies for Neil. If you’re interested you can click on the book for more details.
Have a blessed day! Please share resources down be for what you use during Advent to bring you and your family closer to Christ.
I’m coming back to the Faith, after a long absence. Do you have advice about getting caught up with my religious education?
Hi Cheryl! That’s so wonderful! There’s a few different ways you could go. I like the St Pope Piux X Catechism to get “caught up.” He wrote it for the laity around the turn of the century. You could also read Why We’re Catholic by Trent Horn. It’s a bit of a Cliff Notes of Catholicism. If you have a specific area you want to grow in, I can point you to the right direction. Once my website launches fully, there will be a page with exactly this content on it!
Laura, Aldi and Lidl sell very price worthy Advent wreathes with candles and greenery! Take advantage of living in Germany to find so many supports. At Lent. You will find pea or lentil soups without ham!