We can all remember the fun holiday traditions from our childhood: opening each day of the Advent calendar to find your piece of candy, lighting the candles on the Advent wreath, and all the excitement of preparing for Christmas.
While those traditions are valuable and fun, many of us could benefit from a deeper reflection of the “reason for the season.” Advent allows us time to prepare our hearts to recognize what the Incarnation means in our daily lives as a kind of fulfillment of the coming of Jesus in history and a reminder of the "not yet" that we await in hope. The "now" of this Advent calls us to bring the incarnational presence of Jesus to bear on this moment in time. It encourages us to create a space amidst the busy-ness of our lives to recognize the gift of peace the Prince of Peace desires for us.
With thanks to our Dominican Sisters at Maryknoll, we share their encouragement for you “to reflect on what it would look like to build a culture of peace—a journey that begins with peace in our hearts and leads to peace in our local communities, nation, and world.”
Download the Advent Guide 2020: Building a Culture of Peace, produced by the MaryKnoll Sisters here.
This guide includes reflections on the weekly scripture readings during Advent, as well as prayers and examples of Maryknoll missioner experiences and suggested steps for “faith in action.” We hope this guide helps individuals and communities reflect on how they can welcome the Prince of Peace this Advent.
Explore each week of the guide:
First Week in Advent: Disarmament of the Heart
Second Week in Advent: Healing Our Soul Sickness
