Advent: An invitation to prepare the heart as a family
The season of Advent has begun, and many families are preparing to live these weeks of hope. In this article, Fiorella and Isaac Abensur, along with Brenda and Marco Wong, share how they experience this time and talk about the tradition of praying the Advent wreath liturgy together with other families.
Families after praying the Advent Wreath prayer.
Preparing the home and the heart for the arrival of Jesus
For Fiorella and Isaac, the Advent season is “like the first call in a theater play, reminding us that the most important part is about to begin.” To explain it to their children, they compare it to the anticipation of each of their arrivals: “It’s a time to start preparing the heart. We remind them how we prepared when they were about to be born: praying for their health, thinking about their names, among other details,” they share.
“In our home, we prepare the Advent wreath and also set up an Advent calendar for children, which guides us day by day in this preparation. Additionally, we participate in the Christmas is Jesus campaign, through which help is provided to many families, but most importantly, catechesis is offered to prepare for the birth of Baby Jesus. For this reason, we also begin organizing catechesis for the children, planning colors, crafts, and other details.”
Traditions that unite
Both the Abensur and Wong families share the tradition of praying the Advent wreath together with other families. According to Fiorella, this practice began seven years ago with three other families.
“We decided to take turns hosting the Advent wreath prayer each week. We prepare the liturgy, practice the songs, and each of the children participates in the petitions and leads the liturgy. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how they’ve grown and learned about the importance of preparing for what truly matters: the birth of Baby Jesus,” Fiorella adds.
After the liturgy, they sing Christmas carols while enjoying hot chocolate and panettone, creating a warm, family-filled atmosphere. Over time, this tradition has grown, welcoming more friends and families who eagerly ask each year when the Advent wreath prayer will begin in their home.
Speaking about this family prayer time, Brenda and Marco Wong share: “What started as a small gesture, inspired by the desire to show our friends’ children the true meaning of Christmas, has become a tradition that fills our hearts and homes.”
“Lighting each Advent candle holds a deep meaning for us. It invites us to reflect on the joy of Baby Jesus’ birth and reminds us that His light calls us to share His message with others. Remembering that Jesus came to us in humility, as a vulnerable child, inspires us to share that light with everyone around us.”
“We are delighted to share this space with our friends and their children, who have grown up with this tradition and look forward to it every year. It’s a special time to pause amidst the rush of life, reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus’ birth represents, and prepare our hearts and homes to welcome Him,” the Wongs share.
However, Advent is not without its challenges. The Abensur family acknowledges that “the hardest part is breaking away from the routine to find a moment for prayer, especially in December, with so many activities. In the evenings and on weekends, we pray the Angelus, which helps us remember that Mary is expecting and that the Savior is about to be born.”
A message for other families
Both families agree that this season is an invitation to spiritual preparation. Brenda and Marco encourage others to “create spaces for prayer and reflection that strengthen family bonds and help us contemplate the infinite love of God made man in Jesus.”
“Reflecting together on Mary and Joseph’s journey of faith and surrender inspires us to trust in God even amidst our uncertainties and challenges. Beyond the external preparations, preparing the heart with humility and gratitude is the greatest gift we can offer the Christ Child.”
Finally, in our Advent 2024 special, you’ll find resources to help you live this season as a family. Discover materials that will guide you in preparing your heart for Christmas.