2025 ADVENT/CHRISTMAS RESOURCES
Ignatian Solidarity Network:
Advent Simplicity Challenge: In a season that can mistakenly be focused on gifts and consumption, explore ways to live simply as we hopefully prepare for the coming of Jesus and the restoration of the earth.
https://ignatiansolidarity.net/advent-simplicity-challenge/
Catholic Relief Services:
Pray with Your Advent Wreath: Sign up to access weekly prayers and reflections to deepen your faith this holy season.
https://www.crs.org/join/crs-advent-wreath
Salt Project:
Candle Lighting Litanies: Advent means “coming.” It is a time of longing, watching, and praying for God’s healing, transformative presence to be ever more vibrantly present in the world. In this sense, Advent is a season in which we focus on that key phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, “thy kingdom come.” As Christians, the good news we strive to live by and declare is that love is stronger than hate, peace more enduring than war, hope more powerful than despair — and the light of God's love will dispel forever the shadows of shame cast by violence, suffering, sorrow, and contempt.
https://www.saltproject.org/progressive-christian-blog/2020/11/17/advent-candle-lighting-litanies
"Creation Awaits with Eager Expectation"
This collection features 26 daily prayers and reflections inspired by Romans 8:19 - “For creation awaits with eager expectation for the revelation of the children of God.” Written by a beautifully diverse group of U.S. Catholics, these short prayers and reflections will accompany you throughout the Advent season.
https://mailchi.mp/catholicclimatecovenant/vkl6zy1baz
Catholic Extension:
Find Peace and Inspiration this Advent Season
Advent invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. But in the rush of daily life, finding time for stillness and prayer can feel nearly impossible.
Imagine having a quiet companion for the season that you can turn to whenever you need a moment of peace or a reminder of hope. A guide that helps you pause and prepare your heart for the joy of Christmas.
That’s what this Advent Companion offers. Written by theologian and author John Shea, it includes thoughtful reflections on each Sunday’s Gospel reading, each designed to help you uncover the deeper meaning of Advent and renew your faith along the way.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
What is Advent?
- Advent calendars in Spanish and English
- Advent Wreath prayers and a video
- O Antiphons printable resource and social media graphics
- Nativity/Manger Scene blessing and historical video
- Christmas tree blessing
- Liturgical Notes for Advent
- Other liturgical resources/links
Christmas movies you might like to watch this season:
Finding some down time to watch a movie with family or friends is a great way to slow down during the Christmas season. I asked some of the Sisters, my co-ministers, friends and family, "What is your favorite Christmas movie?" Here is a list of our favorites:+ Holiday Inn (1942)
+ Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
+ It's A Wonderful LIfe (1946)
+ The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)
+ The Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
+ The Bishop's Wife (1947)
+ 3 Godfathers (1948)
+ Scrooge: (1951) with Alistair Sim
+ White Christmas (1954)
+ A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
+ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
+ A Christmas Story(1983)
+ A Christmas Carol (1984) with George C. Scott
+ Home Alone (1990)
+ The Muppet Christmas Carol (1994)
+ The Santa Clauses (1994)
+ A Christmas Carol (1999) with Patrick Stewart
+ Elf (2003)
+ The Polar Express (2004)
+ Joyeux Noel (2005)
+ The Nativity (BBC Series - 2012)
+ The Chosen: The Messangers (2021)