This guide is intended to help Catholic families deepen their journey through the seasons of Advent and Christmas. It offers reflections, prayers and activities that align with the weekly pillars of Advent so families can embrace liturgical living.
Our prayer is that this guide will help your family members grow in faith — giving them opportunities to learn, discuss Christ’s Gospel of hope, and work together to share God’s love this Advent season.
We hope each activity reaffirms the importance of Catholic social teaching and the Corporal Works of Mercy as we unite through Christ to bless the poor in joyful service.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During this time, we Catholics prepare our hearts to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ birth. We look for ways to receive Jesus in our hearts and our daily lives. Finally, we use this time to reflect on the second coming of our Lord.
Jesus’ first coming
More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem. He was fully God and fully man. He came to teach us his ways, to give us his example of love and, ultimately, to save us from our sins.
Christ alive in us
After dying on the cross, Jesus rose from the grave and ascended into heaven — but before he left, he said he would send the Holy Spirit to help us. When we put our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives in our hearts. The Holy Trinity is alive in us, and we can walk with Christ every day!
Jesus’ second coming
Jesus promised that he will come again! Acts 1:11 tells us: “This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” We look forward to Jesus’ second coming with excitement, eagerly awaiting the day when he returns and makes things right.
Meet Eddy and Alma, who live in a farming village in Guatemala. Their big brother, Carlo, is excited to teach them about Advent as the siblings navigate the joys and challenges of life in their community. As you read their story and complete weekly activities, consider how you can help families in Guatemala — and read about the real children who’ve inspired our story in Epiphany Week.
• Brown kraft paper
• Drinking cup to create circle template
• Watercolor paper
• Watercolor paints
• Sharpie or markers
• Washi tape
1.) Cut out ornaments.
First, use a paper cup to trace a circle template. Then, use that circle to trace and cut out 25 paper ornaments.
2.) Number ornaments.
Next, write the numbers (1 through 25) on the paper circles with a marker.
3.) Paint ornaments.
Have fun painting the ornaments with watercolor paints or crayons.
1. What does Advent mean to you?
2. What do you like best about the Advent season? What are you looking forward to this year?
3. Our mission is to bless children and their families in Guatemala with homes, food and education this Advent. Do you have any questions about this mission or about Advent? (Take some time to answer any questions the children may have.)
Join our email list today and you will get weekly Advent reflections and activities that will engage the whole family in works of mercy throughout the season.
Below are fun activities to help your family get into the spirit of sharing God’s love this Advent.
Dear Jesus,
I love you and thank you for this Advent season. Help me share your hope. Help me bring your peace. Help me be a source of joy. Help me love others the way you love me. Guide me today and every day to be a blessing to my friends, family and the world.
Amen.