By Fr Trevor D’Souza, OFM
The season of Advent is soon approaching, beginning 01st December ! It is a time to prepare ourselves to receive the Lord, who became flesh to dwell among us (Jn 1:14). It is called the season of grace, because it is an opportunity for each one of us to really prepare our heart, mind and spirit to welcome the Lord.
Here are three ways in which we can inaugurate the season of advent in style.
Put up the Christmas Star on the first Sunday of Advent.
Why wait till a day before Christmas to have the star hoisted? The star played a significant role in leading the magi to the manger where Jesus, the STAR was born. We have seen “his star” they said and have come to worship him (Mt 2:2).
In most of our churches we have the flag hoisting to inaugurate the novena for the feast. Hoisting the flag on the first Sunday of advent will have a similar effect.
Secondly, as we journey through the season of advent, the shining star will be a constant reminder for us and will also be a silent announcement to our world around that Jesus dwells among us.
Set-up your home Crib on the first Sunday of Advent.
Again, why wait till the week before Christmas to construct the crib? Have it constructed and placed in a central place where all can see.
Let it stand there as a reminder that Mary, Joseph, the angels, shepherds, magi and the whole world were waiting for the Messiah to be born! Let it talk to us; let it become a place of prayer; let it become an object of mediation on the mystery of the Incarnation, God becoming small for our sakes and coming to live among us. Let the holy family of Nazareth influence our personal and family lives.
Listen and sing Christmas Carols every day from the first Sunday of Advent.
Carols have been a beautiful tradition of the Christmas season. Every carol has a message and meaning to convey. The melodious tunes and haunting lyrics! Sing the carols with your family or listen to them by yourself. Use them for your prayer and meditation too. One never tires of listening to these carols, over and over again. Silent Night, O, Little town of Bethlehem, Come all ye faithful, the Shepherds, The three kings from the Orient, and not forgetting the story of the Drummer Boy, sung to the beats of rum-pa-pum-pum, pum, pum, pum !
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