We often talk about the Advent season, but how can you prepare for Christ on a daily basis? The USCCB put together a daily calendar of things you can live out the Advent season and prepare yourself for Christ's coming.
December 14
Third Sunday of Advent
Light the third candle on your family
Advent wreath. Following tradition, the third candle is rose-colored as we celebrate "
Gaudete Sunday."
Reflect on how the difficult
economic conditions of the past few years have impacted your family, parish community and neighbors
December 15
Monday of the Third Week of Advent
On this day, in many Latin American communities
Las Posadas begin– reenactments of the Holy Family's journey to Bethlehem. Did you know that the nine-day novena represents the nine months of pregnancy, specifically the pregnancy of Mary carrying Jesus?
- Like the difficult journey of the Holy Family, migrants and refugees overcome long journeys and many obstacles to seek freedom and opportunity in the United States. Here is a prayer for their protection:
Merciful and loving Father,
you provided for your people Israel in their exodus
from slavery
a promised land that you established for them,
and in Jesus Christ you provide welcome refuge for all in need.
We ask for your divine protection for all migrants
who have left their homes in search of new
opportunity in another land.
For refugees, who are forced from their homes due to
threats of violence,
we beseech you to provide them a safe haven.
For migrants trafficked into slavery,
grant them rescue, healing, and the strength to
start again.
For immigrants, who so often leave their family and
friends behind,
grant them a better life and greater opportunity
elsewhere.
We pray in particular for your protection over migrant
children who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse
at the hands of others.
We implore you to grant all migrants your protection
and lead them to a place of safety.
Be with all those in need with your power to save.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of theHoly Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
December 16
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
December 17
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent
December 18
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
December 19
Friday of the Third Week of Advent
December 20
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
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Pray also for those who have been
victims of crime, especially those that are known to you.
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