As we begin our Advent journey we call to mind the messages of the Holy Father and look for opportunities to prepare a way for the Lord.
1. Make time for prayer
‘Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence. It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us’.
– Pope Benedict XVI
With excitement and anticipation building, and so many practical preparations for Christmas, it can be easy to overlook Advent as the season of preparation for the soul. Equally, for many of us, Christmas can be a difficult time of year, one which holds difficult emotions and feelings of loneliness or sadness.
Wherever we find ourselves in this spectrum, God is with us. Take time each day to pause, reflect, pray and listen to God’s voice.
Do this now:
Follow our Online Advent Calendar for daily prayers, reflections and stories from around the world during December. Click here>>
2. Keep Jesus at the heart of it
‘Gather in prayer and, with the same wonder as the shepherds, look at the Child Jesus, who came into the world to bring God’s love, who makes all things new.’
– Pope Francis
Christmas is such an exciting time for families and especially for children. But sometimes it’s tricky keeping the focus on the true message of Advent. If you are looking for ways to keep little hands busy during the holidays, but still want to keep hearts and minds focused on the coming of Jesus, try some of our seasonal crafting ideas!
Do this now
To find all our free downloadable craft activities, click here>>
3. Give children a future full of hope
‘Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence, and in this season the whole Church is called to be hope, for itself and for the world’.
– Pope Benedict XVI
Myanmar is one of Asia’s poorest countries, with over half the population living below the poverty line. Internal conflict, inadequate infrastructure and exploitation of its natural resources mean life is difficult for many families. And while state education is free, standards are low, schools under-equipped and teachers disheartened.
Do this now
This Advent, join us to bring the light of hope to the future generations of Myanmar and children across the world. Find out more here>>
4. Come together to make a difference
‘This is a favourable time to open our hearts, to ask ourselves concrete questions about how and for whom we expend our lives’. – Pope Francis
There is so much need in the world right now. But let us not become discouraged! Together we can bring so much joy to the world. Fundraising is a brilliant way to come together and remind ourselves that we are not alone in facing the world’s struggles. When we join together we can encourage each other and have fun, whilst turning each person’s contribution into one big result!
Do this now
Find all our fundraising ideas here>>
5. Be joyful!
“During this Advent Season, let us ask the Lord to help us keep the lamp of faith alit in our lives, to be prepared to receive him, and that he fill us with peace and joy.”
– Pope Francis
Joy is not just for Christmas, we also ‘wait in joyful hope’. And there are not many ways to spread instant joy more easily than lifting your voice in song! Our Sing with Mission Together page has plenty of singalong tracks of your favourite hymns and carols, as well as our special Advent carol: We are Waiting.
Do this now
To start singing for joy today, click here>>
Thank you
However and whenever you get involved with Missio during the Advent season, we want to say a huge thank you. We know times are hard for many people and that with the best will in the world there is often just so much to do during December. We hope you can take time for yourself, just to be still and listen to God each day as we wait in joyful hope. We pray for all our supporters every day, and wish you a wonderful Advent.
Visit missio.org.uk/advent for all our useful links.