{"id":17879,"date":"2022-11-28T14:42:25","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T13:42:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cana.org\/?p=17879"},"modified":"2022-11-28T15:54:50","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T14:54:50","slug":"advent-on-the-way-to-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cana.org\/en\/advent-on-the-way-to-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Advent, on the way to Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Preparing together for the coming of the Lord <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This year Advent comes at a particularly difficult time in many countries and many families are suffering. We would like to suggest some simple ideas for the Advent season to prepare ourselves to live this beautiful time of Christmas in the best possible way. Let us watch and pray, let us become guardian angels!<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a couple, through exchange and prayer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The exchange<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every week, set aside time for yourself (perhaps an hour, and at least 20 minutes) in a place where you will not be disturbed (children in bed, mobile phone off).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, one of you speaks for 5 minutes, continuously. The other person listens without interrupting, does not ask questions or make comments. Then you change, the second person speaks for 5 minutes, and so on. Then you continue to exchange normally\u2026enter a good communication time as a couple!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can start with a topic such as: \u201cWhat is on my mind right now? How did it go?\u201d Choose together the question for your next meeting. For example, \u201cWhat is my best memory of Christmas?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer: “Watch and Pray”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you want to go further and choose to watch through prayer? We suggest you pray with the text of Isaiah 35, 1-6, or the texts of the day of your Christian community. Choosing to stop and pray is always a challenge. Read the advice of St Ignatius and a proposal for prayer as a couple here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Advent wreath and its four candles<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the beginning of Advent, there is nothing like creating an Advent wreath together and lighting one candle at a time each week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • The first candle symbolises the forgiveness <\/strong>granted to Adam and Eve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The second is the faith <\/strong>of the Patriarchs in the Promised Land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The third is the joy <\/strong>of David celebrating the covenant with God.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The fourth is the teaching of the prophets announcing a reign of justice and peace.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    So, at Christmas, with its four candles already lighting up your home, you will be ready to welcome the beautiful light of Jesus on earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To prepare your wreath here is a video explaining the process. You will need the following materials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Clothesline (or metal hangers)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Pair of scissors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Pine cones or equivalent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Decorative objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fancy ribbon<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Candle holders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • All-substrate adhesive<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Fir branches or equivalent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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