Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
5-Minute Prayers
Around the Advent Wreath
Lisa M. Hendey
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. ____________________________________ 2012 by Lisa M. Hendey All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever, except in the case of reprints in the context of reviews, without written permission from Ave Maria Press, Inc., P.O. Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Founded in 1865, Ave Maria Press is a ministry of the United States Province of Holy Cross. www.avemariapress.com ISBN-10 1-59471-299-9 ISBN-13 978-1-59471-299-9 Cover image Thinkstock. Cover and text design by Katherine Robinson Coleman. Printed and bound in the United States of America.
Introduction
My morning routine brings me to our kitchen window, where I have a beautiful view of our backyard and often catch a glorious sunrise. Fantastic hues of pinks, reds, and oranges welcome me to a new day. Sadly, my mind is too often filled with the to-do lists and mundane tasks that preoccupy a busy woman, and I neglect to revel in Gods awesome majesty. Recently, while standing at that window on a particularly crisp, clear morning, my heart soared at the first rays of light. In that moment, one of the O Antiphons of Advent came to mind and sparked in my heart a sense of amazement at the splendor of Gods love for me: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice; come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. Advent can rush past us like my morning sunrise moments. Our days fill up with details as every moment seems occupied with readying our homes and preparing our traditions. Its easy to miss what is most sacred about this time of year. Frequently, in our haste to do it all and make lasting memories, we neglect to ready our hearts to commemorate the Child Jesus, to make room for Christ in our lives each day, and to prepare for his coming in glory at the end of time. Just as that recent dawn took my breath away and drew me to Christ, this humble booklet can be for your family a doorway into the profound solace of a well-kept Advent. With a few minutes of daily silence, scripture, prayer, and private reflection or shared conversation about what matters most, I hope you find and grow to cherish a place of quiet refuge around your Advent wreath. Put away unhelpful expectations of what you think Advent should be and allow this to be a time of simplicity, focus, and sacred longing. The Origins, Purpose, and Traditions of Advent Advent begins the Churchs liturgical year by calling us not just to remember Christs birth in ancient Bethlehem but also to open our hearts to him each day and to anticipate with steadfast hope his coming in glory at the end of time. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25 and varies in length from twenty-one days (if Christmas falls on a Monday) to twenty-eight days (if it falls on a Sunday), but there are always four Sundays. From December 17 through December 23, we pray the O Antiphons. Traditionally prayed at Evening Prayer before and after the Magnificat (a
hymn to the Blessed Mother), each antiphon celebrates a title or name of Christ. The O Antiphons appear in this booklet as optional opening prayers for the appropriate days. Advent ends with Midday Prayer on Christmas Eve. Originating in Europe, prayer around the Advent wreath has become a beloved tradition for Christian families around the world. The wreaths simple circle of evergreens represents the never-ending promise of eternal life. Upon the wreath or in its middle we arrange four candlesthree purple and one rose. The purple candles mark the solemn tone of the season and call us to wait patiently, eyes set on Christ. The rose candle marks our great joy as Christmas approaches. A single purple candle is lit each day of the first week of Advent, then two purple candles during the second week. The lighting of the rose candle is added for the third week, and all four candles are lit during the fourth week. The light of our Advent wreaths grows in the deepening darkness of winter, representing the Light of Christ that shines in the darkness of our broken and longing world. From the sacred spaces of our homes, Catholics and other Christians await the Radiant Dawn, who is Christ. Praying with This Booklet There is no right way to use this booklet. If you are blessed with children in your home, involve them in whatever ways seem best. Young children will enjoy the candles, the silence, listening to the scriptures, and perhaps even leading the prayer. Older children will enjoy the few moments of stillness in their busy lives. Age-appropriate prompts provide starters for reflection or conversation about the scripture readings. If you have very young children at home, simply use the elements of each days entry that seem appropriate for your family. Prayer around the Advent wreath is a devotion that carries rich tradition yet it is not regulated as is our liturgical prayer. Reverence and prayerful attention are called for, but adaptation to the needs of your household are most welcome, perhaps even essential. May this season of great hope draw your hearts and minds closer to Christ and to others in the radiant light of Gods amazing love, and may the blessings of the Christ Child be richly poured out upon your family this Advent season and always.