Today we begin the joyful season of Advent and the beginning of another Church year. During the four weeks of Advent, the church invites us to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth through prayer and reflection. We contemplate the First Coming of Jesus as Savior, and anticipate His promised Second Coming. Amid the flurry of Christmas preparations, we look for practical ways to observe the holiness of the season in our everyday lives.

We would highly recommend you take a look at the Loyola Press Advent Resources page, where you can find lots of things to guide your Advent journey.  There are some wonderful suggestions for families and for individuals: Advent calendars, Advent wreath blessings and prayers, Advent Podcasts, articles for daily prayer and reflection.

In addition, you will enjoy  Bishop Robert Barron's Word On Fire Ministries Advent Reflections page.  It includes daily reflections on Advent, and access to reflections of previous days that you may have missed.  You will see the Daily Reflection on the Our Lady of the Lake homepage each day during Advent.