Ten Ways to Grow Closer to ChristThis Advent and Christmas

#1 – November 30th - WATCH1st Sunday of Advent

Be watchful by spending time with the Sunday readings, http://liturgy.slu.edu/, and by praying each day with these Advent resources, http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/. Read the entire Gospel of Mark as we enter a new liturgical year and download this Advent online calendar: www.bustedhalo.com/advent.

#2 – December 7th - WAY 2nd Sunday of Advent

Prepare the way of the Lord, and bring deep peace into your life, through an examination of conscience, http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2013/12/an-examination-of-conscience-for-the-internet/, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in your parish.

#3 – December 8th - WOMANImmaculate Conception

Reflect on the woman, Mary, “full of grace,” http://catholicmom.com/?s=immaculate+conception and her continual “yes” to God, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-says-marys-whole-existence-is-yes-to-god/.

#4 – December 14th - WITNESS3rd Sunday of Advent

Witness to God’s love by serving others through a parish Advent project, such as Adopt-A-Family or through Catholic Relief, http://www.crsfairtrade.org/advent/. Read about “Bringing Joy to Kids” through family service:http://www.catholiccourier.com/faith-family/features/shoebox-project-brings-joy-to-kids/.

#5 – December 21st - WONDER4th Sunday of Advent

Be in wonder of God’s works through the Annunciation, “for nothing will be impossible for God” (Luke 1:37): http://americamagazine.org/content/all-things/annunciation-and-you. Learn to pray the Angelus, an ancient prayer in wonder of the Annunciation and Incarnation: http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/the-angelus.html.

#6 – December 24th - WELCOMEChristmas Eve

Invite your family members, friends, and neighbors to Come Home for Christmas:http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2011/12/how-to-welcome-catholics-home-at-christmas/.Welcome a stranger (invite him/her to sit with you or take your place) to the splendor of Christmas Eve Mass: http://www.news.va/en/news/christmas-midnight-mass-jesus-is-the-light-who-bri.

#7 – December 25th - WORDChristmas Day

Ponder the beauty of the Incarnation by reflecting on the Word made flesh (John 1:11-18) using Lectio Divina, http://ocarm.org/en/content/lectio/lectio-divina-john-11-18, or by praying with images through Visio Divina, http://blog.seeingtheword.org/?tag=word-made-flesh.

#8 – December 28th - WARMTHFeast of the Holy Family

Bring warmth to your family by reflecting on the Feast of the Holy Family: “How Holy Can My Family Be?”http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/Holy-Family.html “Church Planting; 101” http://thepracticingcatholic.com/?s=feast+of+the+holy+family and “Families Are a Sign of God’s Presence,” http://www.delawarestmary.org/resources/family-life.

#9 – January 4th - WORSHIPEpiphany of the Lord

Worship the newborn king through prayer and these reflections, “We Can Still Be Modern Magi,” http://www.catholiccourier.com/commentary/bishops-column/we-can-still-be-modern-magi/ and by presenting Him with the gift of yourself, http://lifeteen.com/we-three-kings-the-feast-of-the-epiphany/. Celebrate Epiphany with a blessing for your home: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=522.

#10 – January 11th - WATERThe Baptism of the Lord

Reflect on the power of water while recalling and celebrating your Baptism: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=998Read here why Jesus was baptized:http://catholicherald.com/stories/Gospel-Commentary-The-Baptism-of-Jesus,6088