December Cover

Advent: easy, fun, and spiritual ways to celebrate

Reconnect with your family and faith this holiday season

Advent
Evening Prayer


God of Day and
    Night, Dawn and
    Darkness,
Protect us as we sleep, that we may rise anew
    in the morning

to give You praise and
    keep hope alive.

As Christmas draws
    closer,

Keep us filled with the
    joy of Advent.

Help us wait in joyful
    anticipation

of your coming
    in the here and   
    now,

    in the days to
    come,

    at the end of time.


Amen

Second week of Advent

Visit a Farm

DonkeyYou don't need to spend the night in a stable, but spending a day meetings a few sheep or a friendly donkey while taking in the sounds and smells of a farm can be a great way to connect with the reality of the incarnation. Jesus lived in our real world.
 




Have a Family Movie Night
nativity storyGather your family and watch films that help you enter into the season of Advent, like The Nativity Story (right). How does watching these films help you grow closer to the people behind the Bible accounts? How do they inspire you to live this Advent season?

For some free Nativity Story-related activities, click here



Plant a Seed
plantPut a seed in a tiny container, pot, or jar in a sunny window and watch it grow throughout Advent. As you water it, pray that God's grace may water your soul, and his love and life may grow in your heart.





Make sure to check catholicdigest.com throughout the holiday season for more Advent and Christmas related features!