1st Sunday in Advent – Year C (2021)

The readings for the First Sunday in Advent for Year C warn us to get ready for the coming of our Lord, for change will come with him. In the first reading (Jeremiah 33:14-16) we hear that God will raise up “a just shoot” who will bring safety. The psalm (Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14) sings of the goodness and kindness of God. In the second reading (1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2) Paul encourages us to act with love and be ready for the coming of Jesus Christ. And in the gospel (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36), Jesus warns his followers not to focus on our current lives but to be ready for our new lives.

These readings lead into a discussion of how we are going to prepare and grow and change during this Advent season. Here are some ideas:

Make a Jesse Tree

A Jesse tree is a traditional Advent craft which shows the relationship of Jesus to famous people from the bible. Every day you read the story of somebody related to Jesus from the Bible and hang an ornament on the tree with a symbol which represents the person you just read about. This helps our families understand our salvation history and that God has been working with a purpose through the ages to bring about our salvation.

Make Votive Candle Holders

For today's advent activity, make some votive candle holders. These votive candle holders are easy enough to make that all of the members of your family can help, no matter what their age.

Have an Advent Prayer Service

Today, say a simple Advent prayer service together. It doesn't need to be lengthy. In fact, with very young children, shorter is sometimes better.

Set Up an Advent Table

Now is the time to set up and Advent table in your home or youth ministry room. If at home, put it in your family room or another room your family uses every day. Use it as a focal point to remember to observe Advent.

Advent Wreath with Purple Ribbons

This beautiful Advent wreath will help your family focus on the hopeful expectation of the Advent season.

Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas

This book by Father William Saunders is a resource to learn about Catholic traditions related to Advent and Christmas. It also gives you practical ways to practice these traditions in your home. It covers the liturgical event  from the beginning of the Advent season through Candlemas (Feb 2).

Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent and Christmas Reflections for Families

At only $1.99, Welcome Baby Jesus is money well spent for Catholic families. This book will help your family focus on the hopeful waiting of the Advent season and then truly celebrate Christmas when it arrives.

Advent Candle Kit – Make Your Own Beeswax Candles for Your Advent Wreath

This beeswax Advent candle kit provides everything you need to make three violet candles and one rose candles. It also includes a book of Advent prayers. As a bonus, there is a page which explains the significance of beeswax candles.

Lego Advent Wreath Kit

Kids will enjoy making an Advent wreath out of Legos. What a wonderful way to help inquisitive young ones learn about the Advent season! And it is great for locations where using real candles is not allowed or practical.

They Will See Him Coming

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.