Journey to Peace Through Strength This Advent
Find peace through spiritual strength this advent with weekly meditations rooted in the Word of God.
There was no room at the Inn.
Will Christ find room in our hearts this Christmas?
Many things threaten to crowd Him out. Busyness. Stress. Sin.
As the Holy Family journeyed to Bethlehem to welcome the Christ Child, join us on a journey to find peace through spiritual strength this Advent, making room in our hearts through prayer, the sacraments and sacrificial giving, so we can welcome Him with joy at Christmas.
Below you will find brief meditations for each of the four weeks of Advent to help you prepare practically and prayerfully to safeguard peace and grow in virtue during this holy season of preparation.
First Week of Advent Meditation: Christ is Coming - Prepare Through Prayer
(From the Gospel for the First Sunday of Advent, Luke 21:25-28, 34-36)“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."
As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s first coming at Christmas, the Advent readings remind us we must also prepare for Christ’s Second coming.
Prepare Through Prayer
The Gospel for the first Sunday of Advent instructs us to prepare through prayer, seeking God’s strength so we may stand firm against tribulations, trials and temptations. God is all-powerful, and with His help we can stand firm and be victorious in the battle against sin.
- Practice: This week, carve out time each day for prayer. Ask God to arm you with His power and peace.
- Pray: Come Lord Jesus, bless us with your peace as we await your coming at Christmas.
Second Week of Advent Meditation: Christ is Coming – Prepare Him Room
“Prepare the way of the Lord,make straight his paths.Every valley shall be filledand every mountain and hill shall be made low.The winding roads shall be made straight,and the rough ways made smooth,and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”(From the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent, Luke 3:1-6)
How can we “prepare the way of the Lord” and “make straight his paths” as we await Christ’s coming at Christmas, as well as His Second Coming?
The Sacrament of Confession.
The crooked roads, mountains of sin, and valleys of darkness in our souls can be transformed through the infinite mercy of God in the Sacrament of Confession.
There is no better way to prepare Him room in our hearts than receiving the Sacrament of Confession.
- Practice: Schedule a time to go to Confession this week.
- Pray: Come Lord Jesus, bless us with your peace as we await your coming at Christmas.
Third Week of Advent Meditation: Christ is Coming - Prepare Through Sacrifice
"The crowds asked John the Baptist,‘What should we do?’ He said to them in reply, ‘Whoever has two cloaksshould share with the person who has none.And whoever has food should do likewise.’”(From the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent, Luke 3:10-18)Christ was born into the poverty of a stable. How can we meet Christ in the poor this Christmas?
When the crowds asked John the Baptist how they should prepare for Christ’s coming, he replied they should give generously to those in need.
This Advent, as we prepare gifts for family and friends, we can also consider how Christ is calling us to give to those in need.
Is there a food pantry in your community to which you can donate? Are there coat or clothing drives at your parish, or could you organize one if not?
Sacrificial giving is a powerful way to prepare our hearts for Christmas.
- Practice: Prayerfully consider making a charitable donation to help those in need this week.
- Pray: Come Lord Jesus, bless us with your peace as we await your coming at Christmas.
4th Week of Advent Meditation: Christ is Coming - Prepare with the Blessed Mother
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”(From the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Luke 1:39-45)In this last week of Advent, may we prepare like Mary, full of faith, hope and love.
Faith in the Father and His promises.
Hope in Christ and His mercy.
Love for God above all things, and our neighbor as ourselves for love of God.
Let’s finish Advent strong with Mary, praying the Rosary every day, echoing the words of the Gospel: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.”
- Practice: Pray the Rosary every day this week.
- Pray: Come Lord Jesus, bless us with your peace as we await your coming at Christmas.
Looking for Advent resources to help you prepare your heart and home for Christmas?
The Peace Through Strength Prayer Journal is a perfect companion for Advent prayer with daily prayer prompts and best-practices to help you strengthen your habit of prayer. With 90 days of pages for prayer, this journal will carry you through the Advent and Christmas seasons, and equip you to start the New Year strong.
Armor of God Candles help you to create a sacred space for prayer. Invite your whole family to contemplate the reason for this holy season by lighting Armor of God Candles during family meals and prayer times.