Baking, shopping, wrapping, rushing getting ready for the holidays can be stressful--even for children! Advent and Me helps kids (and parents) find ways to balance the hustle and bustle of the season with the preparation of a heart ready to welcome Jesus.
Here's a treasure trove of exciting ideas that will enable your family to focus anew on preparing for the holy time of Advent and Christmas! With a fresh, lively set of suggestions that will attract young and old alike, Joy to the World will help lay the foundation for long-lasting family memories.
Joy to the World takes a three-pronged approach to the season:
The Advent calendar, where daily activities are organized into four categories of Service, Spiritual Growth, "Homebody," and Pure Fun
The Evening Ritual, incorporating the Advent wreath and the Jesse tree, and featuring simplified Scriptures that young children can readily understand
The "Good Deeds Manger," which puts the family's focus on preparing their hearts for the coming of Christ
The Living Gospel series of prayer books for Lent and Advent offer practical insight and spiritual wisdom from popular Catholic preachers and homilists. A new voice each season and the popular five-step format help Catholics pray, join their lives to the living Word of God, and take small steps toward spiritual growth each day.
RENEW International has helped 25 million Catholics with spiritual renewal during the last thirty years. In Daily Devotions for Advent 2015, Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P., president and executive director of the organization, brings her diverse ministry experience, theological training, and the Dominican charism of preaching to these seasonal devotions. Each day offers a simple, five-step blueprint with brief gospel verses, prayers, incisive reflection on the Word of God, and a specific challenge for ongoing spiritual growth.
A fascinating look at the history of Advent, this pamphlet takes readers on a journey through some of the more well-known practices and signs of the season. Readers will come away with a greater appreciation for Catholic heritage and helpful ideas for Advent preparation.