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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 28660 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2022-11-08 16:47:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-08 16:47:08 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In 2024, prepare your heart for Christmas and rediscover the wonder of Christ’s coming into this world and into our hearts by joining Advent Pray25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The theme of this year's challenge is "For God So Loved the World," from John 3:16.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We’ll dive deep into the real meaning behind this verse and how it brings to life so beautifully the depth of God’s love for us – a love so heartbreakingly deep that He gives us, at Christmas, His only Son, knowing the life He was leading Him to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":71389,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"center","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hallow-Advent-2024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-71389"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This Advent, we’ll be joined by…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jonathan Roumie</strong>, who portrays Jesus in <em>The Chosen</em>, will lead us in prayer and powerful reflection on <em>A Severe Mercy</em></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Bear Grylls</strong>, British adventurer and survivalist from <em>Man vs. Wild</em>, will read passages from the book <em>A Severe Mercy, </em>a beautiful, true story following Sheldon Vanauken and his wife, Davy, as they explore and convert to Christianity with the help of their friend C.S. Lewis</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sr. Agnus Dei, SV,</strong> will lead us in a reflection on God’s everlasting and healing love and pray the Litany of Let Love with us each week</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Biblical scholar <strong>Jeff Cavins </strong>and<strong> Francis Chan</strong>, author of <em>Crazy Love</em>, will share incredible reflections on Scripture</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Catholic Actor <strong>Kevin James</strong> will sit down with Jonathan Roumie and <strong>Fr. Chrysostom Baer</strong> to discuss <em>Divine Intimacy, </em>an incredible book of Carmelite meditations<em>, </em>to bring this spiritual classic to life every Sunday</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Fr. David Santos</strong> and more special guests will share real-life testimonies of God’s love in their lives</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can also join <strong>Gwen Stefani</strong>, <strong>Lauren Daigle</strong>, <strong>Matt Maher</strong>, and <strong>Sarah Kroger</strong> in the Advent Pray25 challenge!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Each Saturday this Advent, we’ll encounter God’s love through music, starting with an original Christmas song by Gwen Stefani, three-time Grammy Award winner and coach on The Voice. It’s a beautiful song centered around God’s love, perfect to cap off our first week of Advent together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We’ll also be joined by two-time Grammy Award-winning artist and the biggest Christian Music artist in the world, the incredible Lauren Daigle, who will share both a powerful song and her testimony of encountering God’s love</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The waitlist is now open. Make the courageous decision to allow God into your life and discover a love that satisfies more than anything this world has to offer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Join Pray25 and pray with Hallow this Advent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/pray25">Join the Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>More Advent Resources</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-prayers-catholic-meditations/">Advent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start/">Schedule of Advent</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent Wreaths and Candles</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-calendars/">Advent Calendars </a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-activities-customs-traditions/">Advent Traditions and Activities</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p id="share" class=""><strong>Share Pray25 and Spread the Word!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":71506,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hallow-Pray25-Quotes-Wide-2-1024x682.png" alt="" class="wp-image-71506"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pray25 is one our most popular challenges of the year, and we're blessed to see many people share on social media about joining the challenge. We made it easy this year to spread the word, with easy-to-download images and illustrations perfect for social sharing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/a8y84aei3znc6132od19k/ADdQNp8jcZz2lxFU6BQHvt8?rlkey=ovkj9mz1eg0xqmb9bh9qvlhuw&amp;e=1&amp;st=e6en7fft&amp;dl=0">Browse Images to Share</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> [post_title] => Hallow's Advent Pray25 Prayer Challenge: For God So Loved the World [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => pray25 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-11-21 19:50:04 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-11-21 19:50:04 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=28660 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 28352 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2022-11-04 17:48:27 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-11-04 17:48:27 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The gift-giving tradition goes back to the Nativity, a few days after Christ was born. The three wise men followed the bright Star of Bethlehem to meet baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Known as King Balthasar (from Arabia), King Melchior (from Persia), and King Gaspar (from India), they brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh&nbsp;and recognized Him as the Son of God. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em><strong>“On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother; and they knelt and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”</strong></em> (Matthew 2:11)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Today, we give gifts to our loved ones in imitation of the wise men, showing our love and gratitude for others. As you discern gift-giving this season, remember that praying for someone is always a beautiful and thoughtful gift we can give to others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:group {"className":""} --> <div class="wp-block-group"><!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-everyone">For everyone</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-the-home">For the home</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-families">For families</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#Rosaries">Rosaries</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-her">For her</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-him">For him</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-kids">For kids</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#for-readers">For readers</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --> <!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="#in-lieu">In lieu</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --></div> <!-- /wp:group --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-everyone">Gifts for everyone</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28765,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28765","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":34} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:34% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://hallow.com/portal/#/gift"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GiftCard_background-1024x819.png" alt="hallow app gift card" class="wp-image-28765 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Gift of Prayer: Hallow</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Content…","className":""} --> <p class="">With 10,000+ prayers, meditations, and learning courses in the app for all ages, Hallow has something for everyone. Consider giving Hallow to your friends and family as an early gift to support them in prayer this Advent by purchasing a 3-month or one-year (virtual) <a href="https://hallow.com/portal/#/gift">Hallow gift card</a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28434,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28434","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":40} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 40%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-chosen-seasons-1-4-on-dvd">The Chosen: Seasons 1-4 on DVD</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Content…","className":""} --> <p class="">The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ. At Hallow, we are blessed to partner with Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in The Chosen. <a href="https://new.thechosen.tv/collections/discs">Seasons 1-4 of The Chosen on DVD</a> are great gifts for anyone seeking to learn more about Jesus, ahead of the release of Season 5 in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://thechosengifts.com/collections/best-sellers/products/seasons-one-two-dvd-bundle-1"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-2.06.57-PM-2-1016x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28434 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28423,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28423","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"medium"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-ascension-edition"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-2.08.13-PM-2-373x500.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28423 size-medium"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Catechism from Ascension</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Check out Ascension’s edition of <em><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/catechism-of-the-catholic-church-ascension-edition">The Catechism of the Catholic Church</a></em> for the theologically curious friends and family in your life. This is a great companion for those planning to listen to <em>The Catechism In A Year</em>! In this podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz helps us live out our faith in daily life. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28455,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28455","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bible from Word on Fire</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">There are two volumes of the <em><a href="https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/pages/bible-page">Word on Fire Bible</a></em>. The first volume illuminates the Gospels with commentary from Bishop Barron, the Church Fathers, and various saints, theologians, and scholars. The second volume illuminates Acts, Letters, and Revelation. Consider purchasing one of the volumes or both for a friend or family member this Advent season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/pages/bible-page"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-2.42.56-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28455 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28461,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28461","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://sockreligious.com/collections/adult-socks"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-2.52.53-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28461 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apparel from Catholic Concepts</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">From Pope Francis to St. Thérèse of Lisieux to Our Lady of Guadalupe, <a href="https://sockreligious.com/collections/adult-socks">Sock Religious</a> of Catholic Concepts has the perfect pair of socks for everyone in your life from the littles to the grands! You can also check out their new <a href="https://statesoffaith.com/">States of Faith</a> line, featuring all 50 States, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, outlined in the Rosary on t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28470,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28470","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coffee from Religious Roast</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Elevate someone’s morning coffee this Advent with coffee inspired by the saints! For the adventurer in your life, you can buy the St. John Paul II medium roast, or the Our Lady of Carmel sweet caramel roast for a sweet friend! Check out all the “saintly coffee” <a href="https://www.littlewayofperfection.com/collections/saintly-coffee">Religious Roast</a> has to offer this Advent season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.littlewayofperfection.com/collections/saintly-coffee"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-3.00.31-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28470 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28475,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28475","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://mysaintmyhero.com/collections/best-sellers/products/benedictine-blessing-bracelet-mixed"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-3.11.13-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28475 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Benedictine Bracelet from My Saint My Hero</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can never go wrong with the <a href="https://mysaintmyhero.com/collections/blessing-bracelets/products/benedictine-blessing-bracelet-silver">Classic Benedictine Bracelet</a> from My Saint My Hero! These blessing bracelets come in a wide variety of colors and feature the icon of St. Benedict and the Benedictine cross, a symbol of divine protection. This is a great gift symbolizing God’s love and protection. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28484,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28484","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">90-Day Planner from Monk Manual</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Monk Manual <a href="https://monkmanual.com/products/monk-manual?view=2022-MM-Look-Inside">90-Day Planner</a> is a “daily system designed for peaceful being and purposeful doing” inspired by the daily life of monks. This is a great gift for anyone, especially for those going through a life transition or seeking to live intentionally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://monkmanual.com/products/monk-manual?view=2022-MM-Look-Inside"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-3.17.55-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28484 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28490,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28490","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.reformwellness.co/shop/p/daily-formation-notepad"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-3.19.32-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28490 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Daily Formation Notepad from Reform Wellness</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Reform Wellness seeks to integrate both the body and soul when it comes to health. This <a href="https://www.reformwellness.co/shop/p/daily-formation-notepad">Daily Formation Notepad</a> is a great gift for someone in your life who enjoys the health &amp; wellness space and looks to grow in daily (w)holiness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28735,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28735","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support Small Catholic Businesses on Etsy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider supporting small Catholic shops and artists on Etsy this <a href="https://hallow.com/advent/">Advent</a> and Christmas! From mugs to jewelry to stickers to Christmas cards, you'll find something beautiful for everyone on your list. Among many others, check out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/GratiaDesignCoShop">Gratia Design Co.</a> (Christmas card pictured), <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MourningDoveCo">Mourning Dove Co.</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thestumpofjesse">Stump of Jesse</a>, and the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLittleRoseShop">Little Rose Shop</a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1090361702/christ-the-savior-is-born-christmas-card"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-08-at-12.49.17-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28735 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":44288,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-7-23-catholic-tees/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1090361702/christ-the-savior-is-born-christmas-card"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.7.23-catholic-tees.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44288 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Catholic tee shirts </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Who doesn't love a comfy t-shirt? Grab a stylish tee with a Catholic message from <a href="https://totallycatholictees.com/">Totally Catholic Tees</a>, which has been in business for more than 30 years and remains dedicated to spreading the Gospel through apparel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":44702,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-8-23-hallow-rosary/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Hallow x Ghirelli Rosary</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Artwork by the talented Hallow design team showcases St. Teresa of Avila in the centerpiece of <a href="https://ghirelli.com/products/hallow-rosary">this rosary</a> from Ghirelli®️ in partnership with Hallow. The crucifix is inspired by Matthew 11:28 and is finished in antique silver. It's a beautiful prayer companion!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://ghirelli.com/products/hallow-rosary"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.8.23-hallow-rosary.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44702 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":71824,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/nativity-hires-8x10/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://shop.therosaryteam.org/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Nativity-HiRes-8X10.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-71824 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stunning-prints-from-the-rosary-team">Stunning prints from The Rosary Team</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://shop.therosaryteam.org/">The Rosary Team</a> is an organization dedicated to praying with seniors in nursing homes. The group has hundreds of volunteers across 200 nursing facilities, leading weekly rosaries. This Advent, it's offering stunning prints of The Nativity, the Annunciation and the Visitation for sale, for different sizes, materials and price points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":73081,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/12-17-24-bishop-sheen/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bishop-sheen-rosaries">Bishop Sheen Rosaries</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Take your rosary wherever you go with this durable, beautiful <a href="https://www.sheenrosaries.com/products/hallow-rosary">Bishop Sheen Rosary</a>, in partnership with Hallow. The foundation of the rosary is made from paracord. The rosary also features a Benedictine cross and silver-plated Our Father and Hail Mary beads.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.sheenrosaries.com/products/hallow-rosary"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/12.17.24-bishop-sheen.png" alt="" class="wp-image-73081 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-the-home">Gifts for the home</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28595,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28595","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://beaheart.com/collections/holiday/products/bundle-advent-wreath-candles-matches"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-8.24.06-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28595 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Advent Wreath &amp; Candles from Be A Heart </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As an Advent or “early Christmas” gift, consider this beautiful <a href="https://beaheart.com/collections/holiday/products/bundle-advent-wreath-candles-matches">Advent Wreath, Candles &amp; Matches Bundle</a> from Be A Heart. This is a perfect, liturgically-minded gift for close friends and family members. It would look beautiful on a dining table or entryway table for everyone to approach the Light this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":70831,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-13-24-saints-alive/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":27,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 27%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saints-alive-poster-prints">Saints Alive Poster Prints</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Saints Alive brings to life some of the greatest heroes in our faith with engaging, highly-quality audio stories that kids love. The <a href="https://hallowapp.myshopify.com/collections/saints-alive-poster-prints">Hallow Merch shop now</a> features some of the stunning artwork for the saints profiled in Saints Alive episodes, on thick, matte canvas for just $15 each.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://hallowapp.myshopify.com/collections/saints-alive-poster-prints"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11.13.24-saints-alive.png" alt="" class="wp-image-70831 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28609,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28609","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.santaclaradesign.com/products/annunication-mary-and-gabriel-art-print-66216?_pos=28&amp;_sid=3d65698fd&amp;_ss=r"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-8.41.38-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28609 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Annunciation Print from Santa Clara Design</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This <a href="https://www.santaclaradesign.com/products/annunication-mary-and-gabriel-art-print-66216?_pos=28&amp;_sid=3d65698fd&amp;_ss=r">Annunciation Print</a> from Santa Clara Design is a thoughtful gift for anyone in your life. It reminds us of Mary’s fiat — her powerful “yes” to God when the Angel Gabriel came to her. Consider framing this beautiful print and giving it to a neighbor, friend, or family member this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28602,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28602","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jesse Tree Window Clings from Studio Senn</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In line with the theme of Advent <a href="https://hallow.com/pray25">Pray25</a>, we love these <a href="https://www.studiosenn.com/product-page/jesse-tree-window-clings-and-book">Jesse Tree Window Clings</a> that trace the coming of Jesus through time. The Jesse Tree begins on December 1st and concludes on Christmas Eve. This is a great gift for families with young children to help them understand the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.studiosenn.com/product-page/jesse-tree-window-clings-and-book"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-8.36.44-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28602 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":70354,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/timothy-schmalz-scultupres/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.sculpturebytps.com/miniature-sculptures/?orderby=popularity"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Timothy-Schmalz-Scultupres.png" alt="" class="wp-image-70354 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sculptures-from-timothy-schmalz">Sculptures from Timothy Schmalz</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Timothy Schmalz describes his sculptures as being "visual prayers," and that he seeks to create "art that has the power to convert." His <a href="https://www.sculpturebytps.com/miniature-sculptures/?orderby=popularity">miniature sculptures</a> include works depicting Jesus, Mary, St. Padre Pio and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":43696,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/meyermarket/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Home Decor from from Meyer Market Designs</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Popular Catholic Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeyerMarketDesigns">MeyerMarketDesigns</a> offers a wide range of Catholic items with beautiful Catholic imagery and messages. Their saints pillow is especially beautiful, but they also offer stuffed dolls, garden flags, ornaments, notepads and more. You'll be sure to find something for your home that can inspire your faith this holiday season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeyerMarketDesigns"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/meyermarket-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-43696 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":70370,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-6-24-kitchen-madonna-2/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/kitchen-madonna-ivory-statue-i125268/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/11.6.24-kitchen-madonna-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-70370 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kitchen-madonna-from-the-catholic-company">Kitchen Madonna from The Catholic Company</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This <a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/kitchen-madonna-ivory-statue-i125268/">10-inch tall statue</a>, made of resin, is a great addition to the home and traditionally is displayed in the kitchen. It depicts Our Lady sweeping the home, a small gesture done with great love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28617,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28617","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Cooking with the Saints</em> Cookbook from Sophia Press</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/cooking-with-the-saints"><em>Cooking with the Saints</em></a> cookbook from Sophia Press is such a fun gift for your friends and family who love to cook! This cookbook includes traditional dishes from the home countries and communities of saints, as well as special saint feast day cookie recipes. This is a gift that will keep on giving throughout the liturgical year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/cooking-with-the-saints"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-9.01.27-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28617 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":44298,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-7-23-stella-maris-candle/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://theologyofhome.com/collections/stella-maris-candles"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.7.23-stella-maris-candle.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44298 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Nativity Candle from Stella Maris &amp; Co.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://theologyofhome.com/collections/stella-maris-candles">Stella Maris</a> (Latin for "Star of the Sea," a reference to Mary's title as Our Lady, Star of the Sea) produced, produced by Theology of Home, are wonderful set of candles, none more seasonally appropriate than the Nativity candle, which has been described as "Christmas in a jar" and offers a fragrant scent of fir, orange and vanilla. Pair it with a <a href="https://theologyofhome.com/products/theology-of-home-match-box">beautiful set of matches</a> for just $1 more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":43706,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/lastsupper/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wood Carvings of the Last Supper and more</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://blestart.com/">Blestart</a> offers immaculate wood carvings done by Christians living in the Holy Land, supporting a small population of people "who want to live in peace and support their families with a centuries-old trade and way of life." The finished products are showstopping pieces that will sanctify your home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://blestart.com/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/lastsupper.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-43706 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-families">Gifts for families</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28639,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28639","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://catholiccardgame.com/products/the-catholic-card-game-base-deck"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-9.37.47-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28639 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Catholic Card Game</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://catholiccardgame.com/products/the-catholic-card-game-base-deck">The Catholic Card Game</a> is a prompt-and-answer style game with all questions related to the Catholic and its traditions. This is both a fun and educational gift for both families and adults. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28644,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28644","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Holy Family Ornament from The Catholic Company</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This <a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/lighted-holy-family-glass-ornament/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWg42Ze385KweTtHes1NGTxgDsmyxNQbvZucXDeDb6zehoFp15NA_QcaAjcyEALw_wcB">Holy Family Glass Ornament</a> is an affordable and thoughtful gift for families this Advent. While it makes for a great gift for neighbors or family friends, this ornament is a great gift for individuals as well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/lighted-holy-family-glass-ornament/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWg42Ze385KweTtHes1NGTxgDsmyxNQbvZucXDeDb6zehoFp15NA_QcaAjcyEALw_wcB"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-9.40.46-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28644 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":28649,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28649","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://catholicfamilycrate.com/collections/christmas-gifts/products/one-month-crate"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-11-07-at-9.45.59-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28649 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Membership to Catholic Family Crate</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://catholicfamilycrate.com/collections/christmas-gifts/products/one-month-crate">Catholic Family Crate</a> puts together new crates or “boxes” each month with crafts and other learning materials for families to pass on the faith and its traditions to kids. You can purchase a monthly or annual membership to Catholic Family Crate. This is a great gift for families with young kids.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":28654,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/?attachment_id=28654","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hallow Family Plan</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Did you know that Hallow has a family plan? Consider upgrading your personal Hallow subscription so your family can pray together on the app (up to 6 members). Learn more about the <a href="https://hallow.com/family-plans/">Hallow Family Plan</a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://hallow.com/family-plans/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/38_l-1024x611.png" alt="" class="wp-image-28654 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":43688,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/maryonthemantelset2/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://beaheart.com/products/mary-on-the-mantel-full-set"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/MaryontheMantelSet2.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-43688 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mary on the Mantel</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If your little ones are intrigued by Elf on the Shelf, they'll love <a href="https://beaheart.com/products/mary-on-the-mantel-full-set">Mary on the Mantel</a> from Be a Heart. Create a new Advent tradition and help your children prepare for the arrival of baby Jesus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaPosition":"right","mediaId":44724,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/de/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/11-8-23-pajamas/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:auto 28%"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Family Pajamas</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Thanks to Holy Pals Pajamas, your whole squad can match with style PJs showcasing Christian themes. It's a fun way to help teach the faith to little ones, with designs inspired by both the Old and New Testaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://holypals.com/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11.8.23-pajamas.png" alt="" class="wp-image-44724 size-full"/></a></figure></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:media-text {"align":"wide","mediaId":70823,"mediaLink":"https://hallow.com/blog/the-ultimate-catholic-gift-guide-for-advent-and-christmas/galstickers/","linkDestination":"custom","mediaType":"image","mediaWidth":28,"mediaSizeSlug":"full"} --> <div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:28% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><a href="https://saintsprouts.com/"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GalStickers.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-70823 size-full"/></a></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"><!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saint-stickers-from-saintsprouts">Saint Stickers from SaintSprouts</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://saintsprouts.com/">SaintSprouts</a> makes adorable stickers and magents featuring a whole slew of saints. The company's mission is to "spread love and devotion." The collections feature male saints, female saints, and an entire Marian set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></div></div> <!-- /wp:media-text --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Rosaries">Rosaries</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Rosaries are a great gift for friends and family of all ages, and there really are styles out there for everyone! Check out some of these beautiful Rosaries:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>House of Joppa</strong> <a href="https://www.houseofjoppa.com/products/olive-wood-rosary">Olive Wood Rosary</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>ChewsLife</strong> Silicon rosaries <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChewsLifeShop">for little ones</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Catholic Woodworker</strong> <a href="https://catholicwoodworker.com/collections/designer-rosaries/products/95-paracord-pocket-rosary">Handmade Wooden Pocket Rosary</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>West Coast Catholic</strong> <a href="https://westcoastcatholic.co/collections/rosaries/products/wedding-at-cana-rosary?variant=40290074558664">Wedding at Cana Rosary</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>AromaRosary</strong> <a href="https://www.aromarosary.com/hallow">Hallow Rosary &amp; Oil Blend</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-her">Gifts for her</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the <strong>organized</strong> woman, check out Blessed Is She’s <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/products/catholic-liturgical-planner">2024 Liturgical Calendar</a>, Be A Heart’s <a href="https://beaheart.com/collections/planner-calendar">2024 Liturgical Calendar</a>, and Simplicity &amp; Productivity Co's <a href="https://shop.simplicityandproductivity.com/products/the-purpose-planner">90-Day Life of Purpose planner</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Gift the <strong>stylish</strong> woman the <a href="https://www.litanynyc.com/product-page/saint-bernadette-silk-scarf">St. Bernadette Silk Scarf</a> from Litany NYC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the woman whose <strong>jewelry</strong> is a reminder of her faith, consider the <a href="https://www.thelittlecatholic.com/products/mystical-rose-ring-vermeil?variant=39299128229958&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=gs-2022-04-19&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=smart_campaign&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw--2aBhD5ARIsALiRlwBwc1pekJRuioW80_yZlqvvH-WK9_s9SozaH8Go597e0pU98KR7mAcaAjmBEALw_wcB">Mystical Rose Ring</a> from The Little Catholic, the <a href="https://chewslife.com/collections/rosary-bracelets/products/stella-maris-triple-stretch-wrap-rosary-bracelet-medium">Stella Maris Rosary Bracelet</a> from Chews Life, or the <a href="https://saintandstone.com/collections/necklaces/products/rays-of-light-necklace?variant=35092664221853">Clothed with the Sun Necklace</a> from Saint and Stone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The woman always <strong>reading</strong> or interested in <strong>femininity &amp; faith</strong>; consider gifting her the <a href="https://www.femcatholic.com/join#">Reader’s or All Access Pass</a> to FemCatholic or the book <a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/reveal-the-gift-living-the-feminine-genius"><em>Reveal the Gift</em></a> by Lisa Cotter (Ascension Press). </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-him">Gifts for him</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you’re looking to give a <strong>stylish</strong> gift this season, check out this <a href="https://www.litanynyc.com/product-page/st-raphael-pocket-square-pre-order">St. Raphael Pocket Square</a> for men from Litany NYC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Offering “self-care products with a Catholic purpose,” <a href="https://gloryandshine.com/">Glory and Shine</a> makes lotions, soaps and lip balms, but might be most famous for their highly regarded beard balms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the men in your life who love the <strong>Rosary</strong>, check out this beautiful <a href="https://ruggedrosaries.com/collections/new-or-back-in-stock/products/elegant-wooden-rosary">Natural Wooden Rosary</a> from Rugged Rosaries and this sleek <a href="https://everydayprayerco.com/collections/the-rosary-card/products/black-wallet-rosary-card">Rosary Card</a> from Everyday Prayer Co. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For a man interested in <strong>spiritual growth</strong>, consider gifting him a subscription to <a href="https://exodus90.com/">Exodus 90</a>, a program and community for men ready to “live different.” </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can also consider the <strong>book</strong> <em><a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/drinking-saints-sinners-guide-to-a-holy-happy-hour-i104644/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWjpaksw6xajZVueTOR1-Y6OhqMhzy16WfAtSJ9gj7N0mtFZpwOMgHAaAqEZEALw_wcB">Drinking with the Saints</a></em> from The Catholic Company and this <a href="https://catholicshop.com/st-benedict-medal-monastery-candle.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWgxYPFadIUjVhR2WtCra-_cyhBitEtxMImWUSqBejBbmcdAU8j-a7AaAiMfEALw_wcB">St. Benedict Monastery Candle</a> from The Catholic Shop for men in your life!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If he loves <strong>coffee</strong> or tea, check out these inspiring <a href="https://annunciationdesigns.com/product/escriva-mug/">St. Josemaría Escrivá mugs</a> from Annunciation Designs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-kids">Gifts for kids</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the <strong>really littles</strong>, we love these <a href="https://chewslife.com/collections/silicone-baby-rosaries">Silicon Baby Rosaries</a> from Chews Life, the <a href="https://beaheart.com/collections/holiday/products/nativity-christmas-pajamas">Nativity Christmas pajamas</a> from Be A Heart, and the <a href="https://saintlyheart.com/index.php/product/saintly-heart-nativity-playset/">Nativity Playset</a> from Saintly Heart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://shininglightdolls.com/collections/dolls">Saint Dolls</a> from Shining Light Dolls are a great gift for <strong>toddlers</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Books from <a href="https://emilywilsonministries.com/my-book">Emily Wilson Ministries</a> are another great option. Stella the Brave, for children ages 4-8, is another great option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the <strong>older kids</strong>, check out this <a href="https://monkmanual.com/products/sprout-journal">Sprout Journal for Kids</a> from Monk Manual, the book <a href="https://paulinestore.com/brilliant-28-scientists-mathematicians-supersmart-people-qs1009522-201833.html"><em>Brilliant! 28 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People</em></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="for-readers">Gifts for readers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For the <strong>book lovers</strong> and <strong>theology</strong> readers in your life, consider gifting:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/flannery-oconnor-collection">The Flannery O’Connor Collection</a> (Word on Fire)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://www.wordonfire.org/pray/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxNyjrCq6qaXdEAJ2fkwclhOhhrh3YYafWRiTtOUgzNSaOCTikLbijRxoCuPgQAvD_BwE">Liturgy of the Hours Subscription</a> (Word on Fire)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://ascensionpress.com/products/introduction-to-the-devout-life?variant=43128690868416&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=gs-2020-10-16&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=smart_campaign&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWgp4jK2DzrWXMPh7xf5y95KqGsZOKrqFSkf0_byoNe0DWKNDtI465IaAsWFEALw_wcB"><em>Introduction to the Devout Life </em>by St. Francis de Sales </a>(Ascension Press)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://tanbooks.com/products/books/become-a-saint/spiritual-direction/tan-classics-12-book-set/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqoibBhDUARIsAH2OpWjPyy5-SVzBGvCXSeJgB8peyY1ZlxLONBUmGjRKs0EZ2xY84Y2GGQEaAkPmEALw_wcB">The 12-Book Classics Set</a> (TAN)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="in-lieu">In lieu of gifts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If purchasing gifts isn’t possible for you this season, remember that you can always serve in honor of someone or pray for them — those are gifts, too! Here are a few gifts that cost nothing or close to nothing for your friends and family this Advent and Christmas:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Light a candle at Mass for someone and call them to let them know.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Make a homemade Christmas card and handwrite a letter; receiving a handwritten note in this digital age can mean so much to someone!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Say a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a> or the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a> in honor of someone and let them know you prayed for them. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Offer to watch a friend or family member’s children one day or evening during this busy season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Do something nice for a neighbor, like taking out the trash, raking leaves, or clearing snow out of their driveway. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/AdventGiftGuide">Download Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Christmas Resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/schedule-catholic-christmas-season-octave/">Christmas Season</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-prayer-catholic-blessings/">Christmas Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/">St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-eve-mass/">Christmas Eve Mass Guide</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => The Ultimate Catholic Gift Guide for Advent and Christmas 2024 [post_excerpt] => Find a gift for everyone on your list this Advent season! 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WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 28162 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2022-10-28 20:50:47 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-28 20:50:47 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">All Souls’ Day falls on November 2, just one day after <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/all-saints-day-faq-origin-celebrations-and-prayers%EF%BF%BC/">All Saints Day</a>. In some Spanish-speaking countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations. This holy day celebrates all the faithful departed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:yoast/faq-block {"questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1666989622041","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["What is All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["Officially ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed\u002d\u002dall-souls-day-.html","children":["known"]}}," as the “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” All Souls’ Day is a day to celebrate, honor, and pray for all those who have died to rest peacefully with God. Many pray for their friends and family who have passed on this day. In Mexico and other Hispanic countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of the famous “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations."],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"Officially \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed\u002d\u002dall-souls-day-.html\u0022\u003eknown\u003c/a\u003e as the “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” All Souls’ Day is a day to celebrate, honor, and pray for all those who have died to rest peacefully with God. Many pray for their friends and family who have passed on this day. In Mexico and other Hispanic countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of the famous “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations."},{"id":"faq-question-1666989641996","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["When is All Souls’ Day in 2024? "]}}],"answer":["All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2 every year. In 2024, All Souls’ Day falls on a Saturday. "],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhen is All Souls’ Day in 2024? \u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2 every year. In 2024, All Souls’ Day falls on a Saturday. "},{"id":"faq-question-1666989657133","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["What is the purpose of All Souls’ Day, and why is it important?"]}}],"answer":["All Souls’ Day guides us in remembering our deceased loved ones, as well as praying for a peaceful journey from Purgatory to Heaven."],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the purpose of All Souls’ Day, and why is it important?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"All Souls’ Day guides us in remembering our deceased loved ones, as well as praying for a peaceful journey from Purgatory to Heaven."},{"id":"faq-question-1666989666947","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["What is the difference between All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["All Saints Day celebrates the holy men and women in Heaven, those known and unknown by the Church, on November 1, whereas All Souls’ Day honors all of the faithful departed on November 2. "],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"All Saints Day celebrates the holy men and women in Heaven, those known and unknown by the Church, on November 1, whereas All Souls’ Day honors all of the faithful departed on November 2. "},{"id":"faq-question-1666989677634","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Who celebrates All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["All Souls’ Day is mainly celebrated in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches."],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWho celebrates All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"All Souls’ Day is mainly celebrated in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches."},{"id":"faq-question-1666989690868","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Is there Mass on All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["Yes, Mass is celebrated on All Souls’ Day. Check with your local parish for Mass times throughout the day!"],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eIs there Mass on All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"Yes, Mass is celebrated on All Souls’ Day. Check with your local parish for Mass times throughout the day!"},{"id":"faq-question-1666989707427","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["Is All Souls’ Day a Holy Day of Obligation?"]}}],"answer":["No, All Souls’ Day is ",{"type":"em","props":{"children":["not"]}}," a ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/","children":["Holy Day of Obligation"]}}," (though All Saints Day is). "],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eIs All Souls’ Day a Holy Day of Obligation?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"No, All Souls’ Day is \u003cem\u003enot\u003c/em\u003e a \u003ca href=\u0022https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/\u0022\u003eHoly Day of Obligation\u003c/a\u003e (though All Saints Day is). "},{"id":"faq-question-1666989717709","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["What is the prayer for All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["People commonly pray the “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” on All Souls’ Day: ",{"type":"em","props":{"children":["“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”"]}}],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the prayer for All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"People commonly pray the “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” on All Souls’ Day: \u003cem\u003e“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”\u003c/em\u003e"},{"id":"faq-question-1666989744483","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["What are some All Souls’ Day customs? "]}}],"answer":["All Souls’ Day is celebrated all around the world in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, All Souls’ Day customs relate to celebrating your loved ones who have passed away. This could mean visiting their cemetery, lighting a candle at Mass in honor of them, or cooking a meal that reminds you of them. You could even participate in an activity they loved during their time on earth, such as playing music or a game they enjoyed."],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are some All Souls’ Day customs? \u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"All Souls’ Day is celebrated all around the world in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, All Souls’ Day customs relate to celebrating your loved ones who have passed away. This could mean visiting their cemetery, lighting a candle at Mass in honor of them, or cooking a meal that reminds you of them. You could even participate in an activity they loved during their time on earth, such as playing music or a game they enjoyed."},{"id":"faq-question-1666989731101","question":[{"type":"strong","props":{"children":["How can I celebrate All Souls’ Day?"]}}],"answer":["Celebrate All Souls’ Day by praying for all the faithful departed, those close to you, and those unknown. You can also attend Mass, light a candle in honor of someone in your life who passed, or learn about the traditions celebrated as part of ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead","children":["“Día de Los Muertos.”"]}}],"jsonQuestion":"\u003cstrong\u003eHow can I celebrate All Souls’ Day?\u003c/strong\u003e","jsonAnswer":"Celebrate All Souls’ Day by praying for all the faithful departed, those close to you, and those unknown. You can also attend Mass, light a candle in honor of someone in your life who passed, or learn about the traditions celebrated as part of \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead\u0022\u003e“Día de Los Muertos.”\u003c/a\u003e"}]} --> <div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989622041"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>What is All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Officially <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/liturgical-holidays/commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed--all-souls-day-.html">known</a> as the “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed,” All Souls’ Day is a day to celebrate, honor, and pray for all those who have died to rest peacefully with God. Many pray for their friends and family who have passed on this day. In Mexico and other Hispanic countries and communities, All Souls’ Day is the second day of the famous “Día de Los Muertos” celebrations.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989641996"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>When is All Souls’ Day in 2024? </strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">All Souls’ Day is celebrated on November 2 every year. In 2024, All Souls’ Day falls on a Saturday. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989657133"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>What is the purpose of All Souls’ Day, and why is it important?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">All Souls’ Day guides us in remembering our deceased loved ones, as well as praying for a peaceful journey from Purgatory to Heaven.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989666947"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>What is the difference between All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">All Saints Day celebrates the holy men and women in Heaven, those known and unknown by the Church, on November 1, whereas All Souls’ Day honors all of the faithful departed on November 2. </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989677634"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Who celebrates All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">All Souls’ Day is mainly celebrated in Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox Churches.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989690868"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Is there Mass on All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, Mass is celebrated on All Souls’ Day. Check with your local parish for Mass times throughout the day!</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989707427"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>Is All Souls’ Day a Holy Day of Obligation?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">No, All Souls’ Day is <em>not</em> a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/holy-days-of-obligation/">Holy Day of Obligation</a> (though All Saints Day is). </p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989717709"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>What is the prayer for All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">People commonly pray the “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” on All Souls’ Day: <em>“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”</em></p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989744483"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>What are some All Souls’ Day customs? </strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">All Souls’ Day is celebrated all around the world in a variety of ways. Generally speaking, All Souls’ Day customs relate to celebrating your loved ones who have passed away. This could mean visiting their cemetery, lighting a candle at Mass in honor of them, or cooking a meal that reminds you of them. You could even participate in an activity they loved during their time on earth, such as playing music or a game they enjoyed.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1666989731101"><strong class="schema-faq-question"><strong>How can I celebrate All Souls’ Day?</strong></strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Celebrate All Souls’ Day by praying for all the faithful departed, those close to you, and those unknown. You can also attend Mass, light a candle in honor of someone in your life who passed, or learn about the traditions celebrated as part of <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/day-of-the-dead">“Día de Los Muertos.”</a></p> </div> </div> <!-- /wp:yoast/faq-block --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/AllSoulsDay">Celebrate All Souls’ Day</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-all-souls-day-prayers">All Souls’ Day Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The “Eternal Rest Prayer for the Dead” is popular in the Western Church on All Souls’ Day:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The <a href="https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2017-11-02">collect prayer</a> for All Souls’ Day is,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>“Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.”</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can also pray specifically for your loved ones who have passed. Consider praying the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a>, or even beginning a <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">novena</a> in honor of a deceased friend or family member this All Souls’ Day. Or, reflect carefully on the Mass Readings for All Souls’ Day, which you can read <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110222.cfm">here</a> or listen to on Hallow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/AllSoulsDay">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-related-guides-amp-prayers">Related Guides &amp; Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">How to Pray With Saints</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/eucharist-holy-communion-adoration-prayer/">The Eucharist: Adoration and Holy Communion Prayers&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-go-to-confession-the-sacrament-of-penance-reconciliation/">How to Go to Confession: The Sacrament of Reconciliation</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/padre-pio-prayers-feast-day/">Padre Pio Healing Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-teresa-of-avila-prayers-quotes-feast-day/">Who was St. Teresa of Ávila?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-the-dead/">Prayers for the Dead</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => All Souls’ Day Prayers for 2024 [post_excerpt] => All Souls' Day is Nov. 2, just one day after All Saints Day. Learn the prayers and customs surrounding this holy day. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => all-souls-day-prayers-for-2022 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-10-08 14:16:18 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-10-08 14:16:18 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=28162 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 28087 [post_author] => 24 [post_date] => 2022-10-28 17:25:05 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-28 17:25:05 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>CHICAGO – Oct. 28, 2022</strong> – Hallow is proud to announce it has successfully completed the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II audit in recognition of its commitment to information security.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">SOC 2 certification is a report on an organization’s internal controls and how it protects customer data and sensitive information. It is the standard for data security among digital companies in the U.S.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">An independent auditor, <a href="https://insightassurance.com">Insight Assurance</a>, conducted the detailed examination via <a href="https://www.vanta.com">Vanta</a>. Through this process, Hallow demonstrated its adherence to data security, availability and confidentiality standards developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With its SOC 2 recognition, Hallow not only protects the safety of its customers’ data today but demonstrates that it has set the right standards in place for the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":28088,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/10.27.22-aicpa.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-28088"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">To earn SOC 2 certification, Hallow completed the following over a 3-month period:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><li>Thorough examination of security of vendors and third parties</li><li>Risk assessment of systems</li><li>Tests of system controls</li><li>Defined policies to ensure continued protection for customers and employees</li><li>In-depth security training program for the entire organization</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With SOC 2 Type II certification, Hallow joins the likes of Google, Amazon Web Services and other leading technology companies in applying the most rigorous security measures to protect customer data. In February 2022, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/hallow-earns-ikeepsafe-coppa-safe-harbor/">Hallow earned</a> the iKeepSafe COPPA badge, which recognizes organizations compliant with federal laws that protect the privacy of student education records.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow is excited to be taking this important step to further its data protection practices.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Why SOC 2 Certification is good news for Hallow users</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We know you want your data kept safe! As a Hallow user, nothing will change except that you can enjoy extra peace of mind knowing that your data is secure. Hallow has gone to great lengths to safeguard the information that is personal to you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>About Hallow</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow is the #1 Catholic App and provides over 5,000 audio-guided prayers and meditations across a variety of prayer styles and techniques. The app is free to download and includes permanently free content available to anyone, anywhere.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow’s content spans from daily prayers, to community challenges for specific seasons, to podcast-style guest sessions, and more. A few types of content on the app are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><li>Dailies: Gospel, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">Rosary</a>, Saints;</li><li>Music: Instrumental, Chant, Contemporary;</li><li>Mental Health Content: Stress &amp; <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-anxiety/">Anxiety</a>, Addiction, Healthy Relationships, and more;</li><li>Sleep Content: Bible Stories, Meditations, Music;</li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/bible-in-a-year-with-father-mike-schmitz/">Bible in a Year</a> with Fr. Mike Schmitz;</li><li>Psalms and Sunday Sermons from Bishop Robert Barron;</li><li>And much more!</li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Hallow Achieves SOC 2 Type II Certification for User Data Security [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => hallow-achieves-soc-2-type-ii-certification [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-10-30 16:01:25 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-30 16:01:25 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=28087 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 28003 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2022-10-24 17:32:25 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-24 17:32:25 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Happiness is something that we all seek. Read about what the Church, Pope Francis, and leading happiness expert Dr. Arthur Brooks have to say about what makes us happy. Also, learn prayers, Bible verses, and blessings of happiness and joy.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Happiness-human-desire">Happiness, a human desire&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Happiness-God’s-beatitude">Happiness, God’s beatitude</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#pope-francis-happiness">Pope Francis on happiness and joy&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#arthur-brooks-happiness">Dr. Arthur Brooks on happiness</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#saint-prayers-happiness">Saint prayers for happiness and joy&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#bible-verses-happiness">Bible verses on happiness and joy</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#short-prayers-happiness">Short prayers for happiness and joy</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#joyful-irish-blessings">Short joyful Irish blessings&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As we seek the prayers to ask God for opportunities for happiness and joy together, we acknowledge that this desire sometimes can come from a place of struggling with our mental health. At Hallow, we believe prayer is a component of supporting and strengthening mental health, but we know that it is not a standalone solution.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you are experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or other struggles with your mental health or simply need support, we urge you to reach out to a mental health professional in your area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Happiness-human-desire">Happiness, a human desire</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Catechism of the Catholic Church <a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P5J.HTM">states</a> that our “natural desire for happiness … is of divine origin: God has placed in it the human heart in order to draw man to the One who alone can fulfill it.” To put it simply, at the root of our desire for happiness is our desire to be close to God – to draw near to Him, to heed Christ’s astounding, repeating call to us – <em>“Come, follow me.”</em>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Now, this is much easier said than lived out. We all seek this happiness in God, yet we consistently attempt to fulfill this desire with things that aren’t God. While we can read in the Catechism that “God alone satisfies,” we don’t always live in accordance with this truth.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Catechism distinctly references the church father and theologian <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/augustine-of-hippo/">St. Augustine of Hippo</a>, whose spiritual autobiography, <em>Confessions</em>, wrestles immensely with this topic of happiness. If you’ve read <em>Confessions</em>, you might even recall Augustine’s anecdote of the <a href="https://beafriar.org/blog-archive/2017/1/19/st-augustine-and-the-pear-tree-a-lasting-story">pear tree</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In his teens, Augustine stole pears from a tree that were not his to take. Writing much later in life, he reflected that this act of theft was a perversion of the true happiness that he desired in communion with God. While Augustine thought the act of stealing the pears would satisfy his desire for happiness, this wasn’t the case; he discovered true freedom when he aligned his heart more closely with God than his earthly desires, though this can often be much easier said than done.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Author Sean Reynolds <a href="https://beafriar.org/blog-archive/2017/1/19/st-augustine-and-the-pear-tree-a-lasting-story">reflects</a> that after his conversion Augustine did not shame himself – for the stealing of those pears or other sins – but, instead, he found peace in the “Divine Restlessness” of his life.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Happiness-God’s-beatitude">Happiness, God’s beatitude</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For myself, when I struggle to name the happy or joyful moments of my day or the many blessings in my life, I often battle this Divine Restlessness. As humans, I think we are often inclined to find ways to manage, combat, or even stir up this restlessness rather than slowing down amidst the world's speed or finding silence amidst its noise. Those are the moments in which we truly might grow closer to God, in which we might fully experience His love for us.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While it is not always our first inclination, nor is it a miracle cure, finding time for prayer in these tough, loud, fast moments can lead us to find peace with God and grow in the <a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5">Beatitudes</a> that Jesus gave us in the Sermon on the Mount. As the Catechism further <a href="https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P5J.HTM">states</a>,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“The Beatitudes reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts: <strong>God calls us to his own beatitude.</strong> This vocation is addressed to each individual personally, but also to the Church as a whole, the new people made up of those who have accepted the promise and live from it in faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">To summarize, our desire for happiness is a desire to unite and rest in God’s beatitude – His blessedness.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="pope-francis-happiness">Pope Francis on happiness and joy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Pope Francis has spoken quite a bit about happiness and joy, so much that you can read a collection of his various homilies, speeches, and daily messages on the subject in the book <em>Happiness in This Life: A Passionate Meditation on Earthly Existence</em>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In one of his Advent homilies in 2014, Pope Francis <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2014/documents/papa-francesco_angelus_20141214.html">shared</a> with us that happiness and joy are not only in Heaven but very much present and possible on earth, too! He said,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“The human heart desires joy. We all desire joy, every family, every people aspires to happiness. <strong>But what is the joy that the Christian is called to live out and bear witness to? It is the joy that comes from the closeness of God, from his presence in our life.</strong> From the moment Jesus entered into history, with his birth in Bethlehem, humanity received the seed of the Kingdom of God, like the soil receives the seed, the promise of a future harvest. There is no need to look further! Jesus has come to bring joy to all people for all time. <strong>It is not just a hopeful joy or a joy postponed until paradise: as if here on earth we are sad but in paradise we will be filled with joy. No! It is not that, but a joy already real and tangible now, because Jesus himself is our joy</strong> …”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">God has given us the opportunity to seek and experience happiness and joy right here, right now on earth. While it isn’t always easy during seasons of struggle and pain, we can pray to be clothed in this joyful spirit of beatitude that Pope Francis encourages us toward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="arthur-brooks-happiness">Dr. Arthur Brooks: defining “happiness”</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Social scientist, author, speaker, and devout Christian Dr. Arthur Brooks is one of the leading experts on happiness in the world. Many of his books, courses, and other engagements harken back to rooting happiness in <a href="https://arthurbrooks.com/news/dana-perino-of-fox-news-interviews-arthur-brooks/">four pillars</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"className":""} --> <ol class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Faith</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Family</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Community</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Meaningful work&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Brooks encourages us to develop daily habits, such as prayer, that strengthen these four pillars, and his research also points to how science can support these efforts – faith and reason coexist in this realm of understanding happiness. For example, in the new Hallow community challenge on the Science of Happiness with Brooks, he uses the example of praying for<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-healing/">healing</a> when we’re sick <em>and </em>taking our medicine. Then we can thank God for science and the medical professionals who help us.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Learn more about the intersection of faith and happiness in the new Hallow series with Dr. Arthur Brooks, The Science of Happiness:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/prayersforhappiness">The Science of Happiness</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="saint-prayers-happiness">Prayers for happiness and joy from saints and others</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Morning Offering – St. Thérèse of Lisieux</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This morning offering from <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-therese-novena/">St. Thérèse of Lisieux</a> can help frame your day in the joy of God’s infinite love for you. Though it might not take away all of your anxieties and worries, pray with these words from the “Little Flower” to entrust your day to God:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O my God, I offer thee all my actions of this day for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by united them to his infinite merits; and I wish to make reparation for my sins by casting them into the furnace of his merciful love.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O my God, I ask of thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfull perfectly the holy will, to accept for love of thee the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in heaven for all eternity. Amen.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Intercessory Prayer – St. Philip Neri, the patron saint of joy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">St. Philip Neri is the patron saint of laughter and joy; pray alongside him with <a href="https://aleteia.org/2018/04/03/want-to-be-more-joyful-pray-this-prayer-to-st-philip-neri/">this intercessory prayer</a>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>Read More: <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">How to Pray With Saints</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="bible-verses-happiness">Bible verses for happiness and joy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Matthew 5: the Beatitudes&nbsp;</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Romans 15:13</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hebrews 12:1-2</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Psalm 100</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Worship the Lord with gladness;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;come into his presence with singing.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Know that the Lord is God.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is he that made us, and we are his;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Enter his gates with thanksgiving,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and his courts with praise.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Give thanks to him, bless his name.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>For the Lord is good;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;his steadfast love endures forever,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and his faithfulness to all generations.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Romans 15:13</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="short-prayers-happiness">Short prayers for happiness and joy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Holy Spirit, clothe me in a spirit of beatitude such that I may be a source of joy for others today.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Holy Spirit, fill me with joy!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>God, I’m struggling to find happiness in this season. Please be with me and guide me toward you as I desire happiness with You.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dear Jesus, you said, “Come, follow me.” May you make clear Your path for me as I look for happiness in this season of my life.&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>Read More: </em></strong><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-to-the-holy-spirit/"><strong><em>Prayers to the Holy Spirit</em></strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="joyful-irish-blessings">Short joyful Irish blessings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For centuries, the Irish have passed down beautiful blessings for their loved ones, and many of these blessings have grown in popularity across other countries and cultures. Often formulated as poems, these blessings help us pray for others. Below discover three Irish blessings for happiness, peace, and joy:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”</em>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We hope these prayers for happiness and joy guide you toward seeking to share in God’s beatitude today. If you want to learn more about the intersection of faith and happiness on earth, check out the newest Hallow community challenge, the Science of Happiness with Dr. Arthur Brooks on Hallow.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/prayersforhappiness">Download Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-anxiety/">Prayers for Anxiety&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-hope/">Prayers for Hope</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-strength/">Prayers for Strength</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-birthdays-and-birthday-blessings/">Prayers for Birthdays</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">Surrender Novena&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Prayers for Happiness and Joy [post_excerpt] => Learn about happiness as a human desire from a Christian perspective. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => prayers-for-happiness-and-joy [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-07-19 20:30:59 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-07-19 20:30:59 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=28003 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 27751 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2022-10-18 22:10:13 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-18 22:10:13 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Advent Calendars: Table of Content&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#intro">Introduction</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#definition">What are Advent calendars?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#history">History of Advent calendars</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#religious">Are Advent calendars necessarily religious?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#importance">Importance of Advent calendars</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="http://how-they-work">How Advent calendars work</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#printable">Printable Advent calendars</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#diy">DIY Advent calendars</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#bible-verses">Bible verses for Advent calendars</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#related-resources">More Advent resources</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="" id="intro">Certain elements of Christian belief have transcended the strictly religious realm and become popular in the secular world.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For example, ever hear the phrase “<a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">Hail Mary</a>” while watching a football game on television?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars certainly qualify for this distinction. From modest beginnings in Germany to every big box store in America, Advent calendars seemingly have never been more popular.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":"advent-embed"} --> <p class="advent-embed">Hallow breaks down the history, meaning and importance of Advent calendars–and how they can enhance your celebration of Advent in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="definition">What are Advent calendars?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars are simply calendars that span roughly four weeks from the start of Advent until Christmas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars can help us participate more actively in the season of Advent as we await the joyful celebration of Christmas. They can remind us to pray each day and help us to remember that in our preparation for Christmas, we are awaiting the birth of Jesus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In a more secular context, Advent calendars count down the days until Christmas and provide a small gift or goodie on each day. Everyone from Dr. Who to Star Wars to Jimmy Choo has an Advent Calendar in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars can be made of cardboard, printed on paper, knitted with fabric, or creatively constructed in some other way. Advent calendars can even be <a href="https://give.marquette.edu/advent-calendar">entirely digital</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button {"className":"aligncenter"} --> <div class="wp-block-button aligncenter"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button">Check Back Soon for Hallow's 2024 Advent Calendar</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="history">The history of Advent calendars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars probably existed earlier than we have actual evidence for them. They seem to have emerged from Lutheran communities in Germany in the 19th century, where parents and children used chalk marks to track the days until Christmas.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Gerhard Lang <a href="https://www.weihnachtsmuseum.de/en/die-ausstellung/advent/adventskalender/#:~:text=However%2C%20Gerhard%20Lang%20(1881%2D,day%20during%20the%20Advent%20period.">most likely created</a> the first printed Advent calendars in the early 20th century, inspired by a calendar his mother made when he was a child in the late 1800s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Vintage Advent calendars from time periods such as the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/vintage-1960s-advent-calendar-papermodelkioskcom--138204282289594954/">1960s</a> and <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/304238206004">1980s</a> show that, although designs have evolved, the nucleus of the Advent calendar has remained the same.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Now, Advent calendars exist in many forms, with many themes. For as popular as they have become, they can still be a helpful component to our faith lives in November and December.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="religious">Are Advent calendars religious?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Traditionally, Advent calendars have been inherently religious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In 2023, they are now popular among religious and non-religious alike. On retail sites, the most popular Advent calendars contain Christmas themes, images and colors but lack specific references to Jesus or Christianity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Catholic Advent calendars normally contain Bible verses, quotes from saints and other religious references.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="importance">The importance of Advent calendars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent">According to the USCCB</a>, Advent calendars “can help you fully enter into the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Similar to <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent wreaths and candles</a>, Advent calendars are devotions that guide our hearts and minds towards Jesus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Since there is some verse, quote or item associated with each day, Advent calendars can also help us foster good prayer habits. Checking the Advent calendar each morning or evening can remind us to spend a moment in prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Because they are also popular as secular countdowns to Christmas, Advent calendars perhaps can serve as an introduction to the Catholic liturgical season and the religious roots of the calendar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="how-they-work">How Advent calendars work</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars that fully capture the season of Advent begin with the first Sunday in Advent and span the entire season until Christmas Eve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many calendars, both religious and secular, simply start on Dec. 1. Since the exact start of Advent changes each year, beginning on the first day of December is a simple starting point that can be repeated each year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Calendars normally “count up” until Dec. 25.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Some Advent calendars are advertised as “12 Days of Advent.” These more likely are a better fit for the days following Christmas, from Dec. 26 until January 6, the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/feast-of-the-epiphany/">Epiphany</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars involve some sort of activity each day, even if it’s as simple as reading a short Bible verse or quote. Often, Advent calendars contain an element of opening or unwrapping something to reveal a small surprise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Some Advent calendars available for purchase lack any overt references to Jesus and faith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="printable">Printable Advent calendars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent calendars don’t need to be elaborate or expensive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">A simple printout to guide you through each day is all you really need to make your Advent more rooted in preparation for Jesus’s second coming (and, of course, the celebration of His birth.)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Vatican, under the guidance of Pope Francis, created <a href="https://migrants-refugees.va/2019/11/28/advent-calendar-migrants-refugees/">this</a> Catholic Advent calendar with a focus toward migrants and refugees. This calendar starts on Dec. 1 and counts up to Christmas, with a special prayer or message each day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The USCCB <a href="https://www.usccb.org/resources/Advent-Calendar-2021-1.pdf">also creates a calendar</a> for the entire stretch of Advent, starting with the first Sunday of Advent and spanning the four weeks that follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="diy">DIY Advent calendars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Sometimes the best Advent calendars are the ones you make yourself.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Create a simple Advent calendar yourself by filling out <a href="https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/lpress-craft/files/ocf-files/advent-files/advent-gr4-6-StudHndout-B-Advent-Calendar.pdf">this blank calendar</a> with one prayer intention, quote or scripture verse each day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Saint Anne’s Helper also has a <a href="https://www.saintanneshelper.com/printable-advent-calendar.html">great do-it-yourself calendar</a> that is great for kids.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Keep it semi-homemade by <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LIVAIA-DIY-Advent-Calendar-Kit/dp/B08GWS298V/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=diy+advent+calendar&amp;qid=1665958001&amp;qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjU5IiwicXNhIjoiNi4zOSIsInFzcCI6IjUuODcifQ%3D%3D&amp;sr=8-6">ordering</a> an Advent calendar kit that you can customize for yourself.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="bible-verses">Bible verses for Advent calendars</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As you’re thinking about Bible verses for your Advent calendar, focus on shorter lines from scripture.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The first few chapters from both the Gospel of Matthew and Gospel of John are popular choices to include in Advent calendars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Isaiah and Psalms also provide many options for Advent calendar Bible verses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-resources">More Advent resources</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start/">When Does Advent Start?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent Candles and Wreaths</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-prayers-catholic-meditations/">Advent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-activities-customs-traditions/">Advent Activities and Traditions</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/">St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:html --> <script> setTimeout(function () { branch.closeJourney(function (err, data) { if (err) { console.log(err, data); } else { setTimeout(function () { /* This key/value pair is entirely arbitrary. Its only purpose is to be found by a condition specified in the Branch dashboard. */ branch.track('pageview', { 'delay': '10' }); }, 1000); } }); }, 10000); </script> <!-- /wp:html --> [post_title] => Advent Calendars for 2024: Helpful Guide to Religious/Catholic Advent Calendars this Season [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => advent-calendars [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-07-12 00:00:46 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-07-12 00:00:46 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=27751 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 27730 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2022-10-17 14:59:15 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-17 14:59:15 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The single prayer of the St. Andrew Christmas Novena is traditionally prayed fifteen times each day, beginning on the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) and concluding on Christmas Eve. In 2024, Christmas Eve falls on a Tuesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Who-was-St-Andrew">Who was St. Andrew?&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Why-called-St-Andrew-Novena">Why is it called the St. Andrew Christmas?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#How-to-Pray-the-St-Andrew-Christmas-Novena">How to Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#related-prayers">Related prayers &amp; other novenas&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Who-was-St-Andrew">Who was St. Andrew?&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">St. Andrew was Jesus’s first apostle and the older brother of St. Peter, the second apostle. In the Gospel of John, we <a href="https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-andrew">read</a> that Andrew was also a follower of John the Baptist, and in Matthew’s Gospel, we hear the account of Christ calling on two brothers and fishermen – Andrew and Peter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:pullquote --> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>“Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. He saw two brothers. They were Simon (his other name was Peter) and Andrew, his brother. They were putting a net into the sea for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Follow Me. I will make you fish for men!” At once they left their nets and followed Him.”</p><cite>Matthew 4:18-20</cite></blockquote></figure> <!-- /wp:pullquote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While this exchange between Jesus and Andrew and Peter is brief, what followed was Jesus’s Sermon of the Mount and the Feeding of the 5,000, two of the most critical moments in <a href="https://hallow.com/2021/06/30/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">the Gospels</a> and the rest of the Gospel narrative of which Peter is a key figure. We might know more about Peter – how he was forgiven, redeemed, and called upon to build the Church – but Andrew remains a critical character in the Gospels; Andrew led Peter to Jesus.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Why-called-St-Andrew-Novena">Why is it called the St. Andrew Christmas Novena?&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The simple answer to this question is that St. Andrew’s feast day of November 30 precedes Christmas and helps us to determine the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start/">start of Advent</a>. To answer this question more fully, however, the thematic underpinnings of Andrew’s role in the Gospel narrative align well with the purpose of this novena: to prepare for His coming.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/StAndrewChristmasNovena">Pray with Hallow This Advent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="How-to-Pray-the-St-Andrew-Christmas-Novena">How to Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">With a few exceptions, we pray <a href="https://hallow.com/2020/05/01/how-to-pray-novenas/">novenas</a> for nine days. The St. Andrew Christmas Novena is one such exception – we pray this novena for 25 days, overlapping with much of the liturgical season of Advent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We begin the novena on the feast of St. Andrew on November 30 and conclude on Christmas Eve. Tradition holds that we pray the novena 15 times daily for a particular intention. This being said, pray in a way that works best for you.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:yoast/how-to-block {"hasDuration":true,"days":"","minutes":"5","jsonDescription":"Pray this novena for 25 days. ","steps":[{"id":"how-to-step-1666018129591","name":["Make the Sign of the Cross. "],"text":["In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. "],"jsonName":"Make the Sign of the Cross. ","jsonText":"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. "},{"id":"how-to-step-1666018174142","name":["Say the St. Andrew Christmas Novena prayer. "],"text":[{"type":"em","props":{"children":["Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen."]}}],"jsonName":"Say the St. Andrew Christmas Novena prayer. ","jsonText":"\u003cem\u003eHail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.\u003c/em\u003e"},{"id":"how-to-step-1666018182237","name":["Name any intentions or other prayers you wish to share with God. Maybe consider your response to Jesus’s call to follow Him; just as he called on Andrew and Peter, he also calls on us to let go and surrender. "],"text":[],"jsonName":"Name any intentions or other prayers you wish to share with God. Maybe consider your response to Jesus’s call to follow Him; just as he called on Andrew and Peter, he also calls on us to let go and surrender. ","jsonText":""},{"id":"how-to-step-1666018208838","name":["Conclude with the Sign of the Cross."],"text":["In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. "],"jsonName":"Conclude with the Sign of the Cross.","jsonText":"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. "},{"id":"how-to-step-1666018215743","name":["If you’re praying this novena in the traditional fashion ... "],"text":["Repeat the above steps 14x throughout your day. "],"jsonName":"If you’re praying this novena in the traditional fashion ... ","jsonText":"Repeat the above steps 14x throughout your day. "},{"id":"how-to-step-1666018227040","name":["Continue praying the novena daily through Christmas Eve!"],"text":[],"jsonName":"Continue praying the novena daily through Christmas Eve!","jsonText":""}],"defaultDurationText":"Time needed:"} --> <div class="schema-how-to wp-block-yoast-how-to-block"><p class="schema-how-to-total-time"><span class="schema-how-to-duration-time-text">Time needed: </span>5 minutes. </p><p class="schema-how-to-description">Pray this novena for 25 days. </p> <ol class="schema-how-to-steps"><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018129591"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Make the Sign of the Cross. </strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. </p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018174142"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Say the St. Andrew Christmas Novena prayer. </strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"><em>Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.</em></p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018182237"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Name any intentions or other prayers you wish to share with God. Maybe consider your response to Jesus’s call to follow Him; just as he called on Andrew and Peter, he also calls on us to let go and surrender. </strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"></p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018208838"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Conclude with the Sign of the Cross.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. </p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018215743"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">If you’re praying this novena in the traditional fashion ... </strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">Repeat the above steps 14x throughout your day. </p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1666018227040"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Continue praying the novena daily through Christmas Eve!</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"></p> </li></ol></div> <!-- /wp:yoast/how-to-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">May peace be with you this Advent. God bless!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/StAndrewChristmasNovena">Pray with Hallow This Advent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-prayers">Related prayers &amp; further reading</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-prayers-catholic-meditations/">Advent Prayers: Catholic Advent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent Candles &amp; Advent Wreaths</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start/">When is Advent 2023?</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-novena-to-st-nicholas/">Novena to St. Nicholas</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-prayer-catholic-blessings/">Christmas Prayers and Blessings</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/new-years-prayers/">New Years Prayers and Blessings</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-eve-mass/">Guide to Christmas Eve Mass</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">Our Father Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => How to Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena [post_excerpt] => Pray this novena to prepare for the birth of Jesus. [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-10-08 16:48:34 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-10-08 16:48:34 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=27730 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 4025 [post_author] => 4 [post_date] => 2022-10-17 14:08:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-17 14:08:00 [post_content] => <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>Let us not forget the great prayer: the one that Jesus taught us, and which is the prayer with which he prayed to the Father. This prayer prepares us for Communion.</p><cite>Pope Francis, General Audience — March 14, 2018</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the ‘Our Father,’ comes from the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">Gospel</a> of Matthew, with a shorter version in the Gospel of Luke. It is one of — if not the — most popular Christian prayers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><li><a href="#what-is-our-father-prayer">What is the Our Father Prayer?</a><ul><li><a href="#biblical-roots">Biblical roots</a></li><li><a href="#matthew's-context">Matthew’s context</a></li></ul><ul><li><a href="#luke's-context">Luke’s context</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#why-pray-our-father-prayer">Why do we pray the Our Father?</a><ul><li><a href="#scriptural-accounts">Scriptural accounts</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="#when-to-pray-our-father-prayer">When do we pray the Our Father?</a></li><li><a href="#how-to-pray-our-father-prayer">How to Pray the Our Father Prayer</a></li><li><a href="#related-prayers">Related prayers</a></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:image {"id":24976,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/HowtoLordsPrayer"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Lords-Prayer-1920x960-v1-2-1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-24976"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="" id="what-is-our-father-prayer">What is the Our Father Prayer?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Lord’s Prayer is comprised of seven lines and was likely originally written in <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father-in-aramaic/">Aramaic</a>. The seven lines of the prayer are often called the Seven Petitions. St. Thomas Aquinas writes that not only do these petitions contain everything we could ever desire, <strong>but they are also written in the sequence in which they should be desired. </strong>The first three draw us toward the glory of the Father, giving Him praise. These last four ask for His help and commend our sins and weaknesses to His grace.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="" id="biblical-roots">Biblical roots</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“Pray then in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Matthew 6:9-13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As noted earlier, we find the Lord’s Prayer in two books of the New Testament: Matthew and Luke. However, the prayer doesn’t appear in the same form or location in the two <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-gospels/">Gospels</a>. In Matthew, the Lord’s Prayer is embedded in the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+5-7&amp;version=NABRE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sermon on the Mount</a>, when Jesus teaches His followers <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray/">how to pray</a> with humility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.&nbsp;But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.&nbsp;In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.</p><cite>Matthew 6:5-8</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In the Gospel of Luke, the Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ response to his disciples’ request: “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). So, Jesus responds with a slightly shorter version of the Lord’s Prayer than the one we find in Matthew’s Gospel. Scholars continue to debate their differences. However, the two contexts show us why we pray the Lord’s Prayer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="" id="matthew's-context">Matthew’s Context</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus provides us with a few tenets of how to pray. He encourages us to pray alone, in the quiet, so that we can best speak with and listen to God. Before Matthew introduces the Lord’s Prayer, he tells us something essential: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). When we’re at a loss for words in prayer, turn to the Lord’s Prayer with intention. Whether we pray with gratitude or thanksgiving or pray for guidance or forgiveness, God always knows what we need. All we have to do is call on Him!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="" id="luke's-context">Luke’s Context </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer after the disciples asked him how to pray, it wasn’t just about the words of the prayer itself. Though they hold much meaning (see “How to Pray” below), the Lord’s Prayer also provides us with a template for how to approach and talk with God. We call on Him, glorify Him, <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/21/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">surrender</a> to His will, and ask for nourishment, forgiveness, and guidance. Thinking of the Lord’s Prayer as a template reminds us that we can talk with God about anything in prayer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="" id="why-pray-our-father-prayer">Why do we pray the Our Father?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><p>“The Our Father contains all possible petitions; we cannot conceive of any prayer not already contained in it. It is to prayer what Christ is to humanity. It is impossible to say it once through, giving the fullest possible attention to each word, without a change, infinitesimal perhaps but real, taking place in the soul.”</p><cite>Simone Weil</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The two Scriptural accounts of the Lord’s Prayer from Luke and Matthew demonstrate the power of this traditional prayer for many intentions and petitions. All we need to do is call on Him (Matthew) and approach our conversation with Him intentionally (Luke). This is why we pray the Lord’s Prayer: to talk with God intentionally and to <a href="https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2018/documents/papa-francesco_20180314_udienza-generale.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ask</a> Him for our “daily bread.”&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="" id="when-to-pray-our-father-prayer">When do we pray the Our Father?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We pray the Lord’s Prayer as a community during Mass. We can also say this prayer at all times — to begin or end our time in prayer when we are stressed or grateful, and when we wake up or before we <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/falling-asleep-with-god/">fall asleep</a>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="" id="how-to-pray-our-father-prayer">How to Pray the Our Father Prayer (line by line)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":24955,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/HowtoLordsPrayer"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lords-Prayer-1920x960-v2.2-1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-24955"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We’ve broken down the meaning of each line of the Lord’s Prayer. In summary, we say this prayer hoping that we may be changed by God each time we pray these words. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/HowtoLordsPrayer">Try Hallow For Free</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Our Father</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">As noted above, the first three petitions draw us toward the glory of the Father, giving Him praise and naming our relationship to Him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The love God has for us is the unconditional, intimate, all-encompassing love of a father. In naming who He is, God shows who we are. If God is our Father, then we are His sons and daughters. We are then invited to come to God with child-like trust and to love as He loves. Jesus taught us to use the word “our.” The Good News is for us, for everyone. In the rest of the prayer, we use the word “us.” This prayer excludes no one. God’s love and Fatherhood are for us all.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Who art in heaven</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, heaven “does not mean a place, but a way of being; it does not mean that God is distant but majestic.” Continuing, we read, “Our Father is not ‘elsewhere’: He transcends everything we can conceive of his holiness.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We are all moving towards our final home in our Father’s house — not a place in the way we often imagine, but a state of grace, joy, and true peace. It is there that God resides and where He invites us to be with Him both now and for eternity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Hallowed be thy name</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Throughout Scripture, there is an ongoing emphasis on God’s name. For God to give us his name, He shows us that He is <em>not</em> a disconnected being from us. Rather, God is close to us, invested in us, and deeply personal. The word <em>hallow </em>means to revere, honor, respect, to make holy. We have the privilege to know God’s name and to call on Him. We have the freedom to disrespect God’s name, bring shame to it, or glorify it and make it hallowed (holy). When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we acknowledge the holiness of God’s name. And we also pray that we might hallow His name through our lives. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Jesus sums up all the commandments in one: love God and love one another as God loves us. This commandment expresses what the will of God is. This sounds simple until we realize how radical love is: love is Jesus crucified, dying for our sins. Love is the basis of the kingdom Jesus taught us about. It is a kingdom where the first shall be last and the last shall be first.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we pray “thy kingdom come,” we ask Jesus to fulfill his promise that he will return on the Last Day. We also ask God to bring his kingdom here and now so we might reflect it in our own lives. This cultivates our desire to bring a foretaste of heaven to everyone we encounter.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We learn to be open to the will of God and build His kingdom on earth through prayer. Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to guide the surrender of our will and place our trust completely in Him. In desiring God’s will above our own, we let go of our control. It is only after our surrender that we become more ourselves than ever. Only then can we love as God does and allow His kingdom to flourish.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Give us this day our daily bread</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Now we enter into the second half of the Our Father, in which we petition God for His help.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When God saved the Israelites from slavery, He led them into the desert. And there, every morning in the desert, God sent them manna — flakes that were made into bread. Everyone could eat their fill each day, but the manna would rot if they tried to store it overnight. By teaching us to ask for our <em>daily</em> bread, Jesus calls us to find peace in trusting him to provide for us every single day, just as he did the Israelites. God desires us to be fully present, not looking backward in regret or forward in anxiety, but to love and serve where we are here and now.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Going beyond the bread God gave the Israelites, in John chapter 6, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” When we ask for our daily bread, we recognize that the Father gives us Jesus in the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/eucharist-holy-communion-adoration-prayer/">Eucharist</a> as our truest nourishment. Jesus is the daily bread that we need to feed us, to fill us, and to lead us to eternal life.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The first part of this petition is conditional on the second: to be forgiven, we must forgive. When we fail to recognize and pass on the forgiveness God has given us, we move ourselves and others away from God. We are only able to forgive because we ourselves have been forgiven. Jesus shows us how and gives us strength to do as he did by forgiving us first. Through prayer, seeking advice from spiritual mentors, and receiving Sacraments like the Eucharist and Reconciliation, God showers his grace upon us, forging in us the capacity to forgive. By including this petition in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus reminds us that we cannot give our heart fully to God if there is any animosity towards others in it.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil</strong>.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The wording of this petition is confusing due to the difficulty of translating the original Greek into English. It can sound like we are asking God not to lead us into temptation, but God can’t tempt us against Himself. On the contrary, God wants to set us free from evil. So, in this petition, we ask God not to let us take the path that leads to sin. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We turn to God and ask him to help us distinguish between His voice and the voices that try to lead us away from him. We can distinguish between these voices is to ask questions like - is this thought or desire leading me closer to God? Does this open me to goodness, truth, and beauty? Will this action show God’s love to others and myself?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class=""><strong>Amen.</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Meaning, “so be it,” when we declare “amen,” we are saying that we believe and mean everything we just prayed for.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"opacity":"css"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-css-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can pray the Lord’s Prayer in both English and Aramaic, with Jonathan Roumie from <em>The Chosen </em>as your guide, in Hallow. You’ll find the in-depth meditation on the Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) in the Challenges tab of the app. We look forward to praying with you!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center","orientation":"horizontal"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link" href="https://hallow.app.link/HowtoLordsPrayer">Pray the Lord’s Prayer with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="" id="related-prayers">Related Prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/">How to Pray the Hail Mary Prayer</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li><li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-litany-of-humility/">How to Pray the Litany of Humility</a></li></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><meta charset="utf-8">Let your life be transformed by this prayer that God Himself gave us.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":24966,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"custom","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://hallow.app.link/HowtoLordsPrayer"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Our-Father-1920x960-v1-2-1024x512.png" alt="" class="wp-image-24966"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> [post_title] => How to Pray the Lord's Prayer (Our Father Prayer) [post_excerpt] => A line-by-line breakdown of the prayer Jesus gave us [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => open [post_password] => [post_name] => how-to-pray-our-father [to_ping] => [pinged] => https://hallow.com/2021/06/30/how-to-pray-the-gospels/ https://hallow.com/2021/02/16/how-to-pray-our-father-in-aramaic/ https://hallow.com/2021/07/02/how-to-pray/ https://hallow.com/2019/08/06/falling-asleep-with-god/ https://hallow.com/2022/01/19/how-to-pray-the-hail-mary/ https://hallow.com/2019/09/23/how-to-pray-the-rosary/ [post_modified] => 2022-10-30 15:23:51 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-10-30 15:23:51 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=4025 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 27550 [post_author] => 32 [post_date] => 2022-10-15 18:51:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-15 18:51:54 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Table of Contents</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#intro">Introduction</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#weekday-mass">Weekday Mass during Advent</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#adults">Advent Activities for Adults</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#volunteering">Volunteering</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#baking">Baking</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#nativity-scenes">Nativity Scenes</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="http://candles-wreaths">Advent Candles and Wreaths</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#different-cultures">Advent Traditions in Various Cultures</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="" id="intro"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When we slow down to truly appreciate the Advent season, it can be transformative.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">While the commercial world celebrates Christmas from October through December, Catholics and many Christians recognize Advent as an important liturgical season–one that begins on Dec. 1 in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">We can’t just fast-forward from Thanksgiving to Christmas morning!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent is not just a passive waiting; it’s a liturgical season highlighted by unique traditions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Just as the Mass during Advent features the custom of candle lighting, Catholics all over the world have embraced special activities and traditions outside of the liturgy to embrace this season of waiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Hallow explores a variety of Advent activities, customs and traditions you can consider to enrich your Advent in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="weekday-mass">Attend Mass on a Weekday</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many Catholics add a weekday Mass to their routines during Advent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Daily Mass can allow us to experience the liturgy in a new way, breaking from the normal Sunday routine. You arrive at church on a different day, likely at a different time, and perhaps with a different group of parishioners.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You might even decide to sit in a different pew or section of the church. Perhaps you can take note of the art around your parish that you might overlook on a busier Sunday liturgy or listen more attentively to the readings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">These small changes can help you see and experience the Mass in a new way. Even attending one Mass weekday Mass can greatly enhance your Advent. And it’s a great activity to do by oneself–or bring a friend with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/adventactivities">Try Hallow for Free</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="adults">Advent Activities for Adults and those without Families</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Leading up to Christmas, so many activities are geared towards families, particularly those with children.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For those without children or with complicated family dynamics, the holidays can be especially challenging.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to attending Mass during the week, there are many ways to participate in Advent without family or children.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Being more deliberate about spending time outside–and enjoying the beauty of nature and God’s creation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Picking up a new prayer devotional can be a nice way to spend time with God and yourself. You could also read a book: <a href="https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/books-for-advent/">Loyola Press</a> has a number of suggestions for Advent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Celebrating Advent separate from family or children does not mean you need to be at home by yourself. In fact, one of the best ways you can draw closer to God during Advent is to devote time to those who need it most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="volunteering">Volunteering During Advent</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Spending time to service to others in Advent almost takes on a special meaning: Awaiting the coming of Jesus by seeing His face in those around us in need.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Traditional organizations that welcome volunteers, like soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters for those battling homelessness, can be especially busy in the winter months as the weather cools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The need for help can be great, but the supply of volunteers can also spike around Thanksgiving and heading into December. As you explore volunteer opportunities, consider committing to help into the New Year, when the time and resources of other volunteers can dwindle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Of course, there are many other places to lend your help. The <a href="https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org/">Catholic Volunteer Network</a> lists a wide variety of options. You might find an opportunity more perfectly tailored to your talents than you could have imagined.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="baking">Advent Activities for Families: Bake Something Festive</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you have little ones, a great way to involve them in the season is with some holiday baking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">In addition to common holiday cookies, shapes like Christmas trees and candy canes, you can connect your kitchen time more deeply to the Advent season by listening to some Hallow Kids sessions as you and your little helpers traipse around the kitchen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Cookie cutter sets with more overtly Christian symbols, like this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1128538444/christmas-nativity-cookie-cutter-set-of?gpla=1&amp;gao=1&amp;&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=shopping_us_d-home_and_living-kitchen_and_dining-cookware-cooking_utensils_and_gadgets&amp;utm_custom1=_k_Cj0KCQjwy5maBhDdARIsAMxrkw0WxJ0YRdzSBfIctfzXfPYva7oZv5u1FhduNtPp__FlhXr0XUYNyHMaAj3OEALw_wcB_k_&amp;utm_content=go_12561589350_122200265969_506897932692_pla-305102694227_c__1128538444_525258577&amp;utm_custom2=12561589350&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwy5maBhDdARIsAMxrkw0WxJ0YRdzSBfIctfzXfPYva7oZv5u1FhduNtPp__FlhXr0XUYNyHMaAj3OEALw_wcB">nativity cookie cutter set</a>, can further connect your time together to Advent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="nativity-scenes">Buy (or Build) a Nativity Scene</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Anticipating Jesus, in mind, body, spirit–and figures: Nativity scenes can be visual reminders of the period of waiting and preparing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">They can also serve as easy ways to share your faith with friends and visitors. A nativity scene placed somewhere prominently in the home is a natural conversation starter and a subtle way to introduce your faith to those you’re welcoming to your home for the first time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Nativity scenes can also remind us of the rich diversity within the Church. Different cultures often portray nativity figurines in their own image. <a href="https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org/">On Etsy</a>, there are plenty of sellers whose handcrafted nativity sets you can browse, and your purchase may support a good cause.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Building a nativity scene can also be a fun Advent activity. You <a href="https://diycandy.com/how-to-make-a-wooden-diy-nativity-set/">don’t need to be a master woodworker</a> in order to create your own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">One fun aspect to nativity sets is that you can add pieces to it in the future, making it an evolving heirloom. Many families won’t add the Jesus figurine until Christmas Eve or Christmas Day!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="candles-wreaths">Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Perhaps the most popular Advent tradition is the advent wreath, often containing <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent candles</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">During Sundays in Advent, a candle is lit on a wreath to symbolize our journey through Advent as we await Jesus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Simple Advent wreaths with candle holder for Advent candles are beautiful additions to homes. Most importantly, their powerful symbolism aid us in our days awaiting Jesus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/adventactivities">Pray with Hallow during Advent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="different-cultures">Advent Traditions in Different Cultures&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects to Advent is the different traditions it has inspired around the world in different countries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Consider some of these Advent traditions and perhaps they’ll inspire:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Las Posadas (Mexico, Latin America, parts of the U.S.)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://epicpew.com/why-you-should-attend-the-lively-posadas-this-advent/">The tradition</a> of posadas usually takes place from Dec. 16-24, for nine consecutive days. Posadas date back hundreds of years and spans many parts of Latin America and the U.S.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Two local members of the community portray Joseph and Mary and visit homes, looking for shelter. They are refused shelter until finally being granted entry at the last home, where a celebration takes place. Posadas can take place on a single day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>La Novena (Italy)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">A <a href="https://romancandletours.com/blog/2017/12/14/italian-christmas-traditions/">similar tradition</a> takes place in Italy, where children often go door to door, singing carols and calling to mind the journey that the wise men made to find Jesus. The Novena prayer is also very popular at this time.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>St. Lucy (Sweden, Scandinavia)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Swedish culture features Lucia Day/St. Lucy Feast, <a href="https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/swedish-traditions/christmas/lucia/">recognizing the fourth century martyr</a>, Lucia of Syracuse.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">On Dec. 13, communities, schools and churches celebrate with a procession in which one girl, representing St. Lucy, carries a candle and offers sweet treats to those gathered along the process.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://www.stlucy-campbell.org/about-staint-lucy/">According to legend</a>, St. Lucy brought wheat and bread to the poor and also snuck food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Jule brød - Bread Wreath (Denmark)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Another tasty tradition that you can easily try at home this year is the Danish bread wreath, known as Jule brød. The yeast bread is filled with fruits such as raisins before coming together by braiding strands of the dough together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLWEpWVGAYo">This video</a>, from a Danish cooking show, has the full walkthrough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Simbang Gabi (Philippines)&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Simbang Gabi is a hallmark of the Filipino celebration of Advent. Another nine-day celebration,&nbsp;Simbang Gabi refers to Mass at dawn from Dec. 16-24.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><a href="https://teamrcia.com/2011/11/how-to-put-stars-in-the-eyes-of-your-rcia-participants-this-advent/">Parol lanterns</a> are closely associated with Simbang Gabi. These beautiful lights symbolize victory over darkness and add beauty to any Advent celebration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Advent Calendars (All over)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You can get <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-calendars/">Advent calendars</a> with pretty much any theme you want. They have certainly exploded in popularity to the point where many have nothing to do with Advent at all.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Still, they can help us await Jesus while building excitement for the Christmas celebration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button /--></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Related Blogs: </strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-prayers-catholic-meditations/">Advent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start/">Advent Schedule</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/">St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-prayer-catholic-blessings/">Christmas Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/">Advent Candles and Wreaths</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Advent Activities, Customs and Traditions for 2024 [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => advent-activities-customs-traditions [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2024-07-12 00:15:40 [post_modified_gmt] => 2024-07-12 00:15:40 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=27550 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 27529 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2022-10-12 16:00:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-12 16:00:43 [post_content] => <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Author of <em>The Interior Castle</em>, reformer of the Carmelite order, and pioneer of Christian mysticism, St. Teresa of Ávila is one of the most influential and inspiring <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-with-saints/">saints</a> in the realm of Christian spirituality.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Our team at Hallow also claims Teresa as our patron saint – she is an inspiration to us to help others get closer to God! <strong>We celebrate St. Teresa of Ávila’s feast day on October 15.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Born in 1515 at the brink of the Reformation in Ávila, Spain, Teresa has greatly influenced our contemporary understanding of <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/contemplative-prayer-imaginative-prayer/">contemplative prayer</a>, what it means to have a personal relationship with God, and how we can engage in spiritual practices of monastic life when we might work and live in the secular world.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>St. Teresa of Ávila</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Read more about who St. Teresa of Ávila was, how she became one of the four female doctors of the Church, and learn about her influence on our understanding of intimate prayer in the modern world. We also included some of Teresa’s most popular prayers and quotes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Who-was-St-Teresa-of-Ávila?">Who was St. Teresa of Ávila?</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Carmelite-nun">A Carmelite nun and reformer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Saint-Doctor-of-the-Church">Saint &amp; Doctor of the Church</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#fun-fact-3-teresas">Fun fact: 3 “Teresas”&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#St-Teresa-of-Ávila-on-prayer">What does St. Teresa of Ávila teach us about prayer?</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#interior-castle">The soul is like a castle</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#become-friends-with-god">Becoming friends with God</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Christian-Mysticism-saints">More on Christian Mysticism</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#St-Teresa-of-Avila-prayers">St. Teresa of Ávila prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#St-Teresa-of-Ávila-quotes">St. Teresa of Ávila quotes</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Related-prayers-and-saints">Related prayers and saints&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Who-was-St-Teresa-of-Ávila?">Who was St. Teresa of Ávila?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Carmelite-nun">A Carmelite nun and reformer</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">St. Teresa of Ávila, whose original name was Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, was born on March 28, 1515, just two years before the start of the Protestant Reformation began, in Ávila, Spain. At 20, Teresa <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Teresa-of-Avila">entered</a> the cloistered Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation in her hometown of Ávila against her father’s wishes. Teresa's health began to decline only a couple of years into religious life. Over the next several years, Teresa suffered from physical and mental health struggles – her journey to God and sainthood certainly was not easy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This journey ultimately led her to write one of the greatest spiritual guides known to us, <em>The Interior Castle</em>, in 1577, along with several other spiritual pieces. Teresa also became the key reformer of the Carmelite Order and founded a new branch of the Carmelites, known as the <a href="https://www.carmelitaniscalzi.com/en/who-we-are/storia/history-of-discalced-carmelites/">Discalced Carmelites</a>; she aimed to renew the ancient Carmelite Order for the sake of both tradition and longevity. During her lifetime, she founded several convents and monasteries of this new Carmelite Reform, the first of which, St. Joseph’s, still stands in Ávila today.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Saint-Doctor-of-the-Church">Saint &amp; Doctor of the Church</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">From her work in reforming the Carmelites to the many spiritual masterpieces she authored, Teresa was truly a pioneer in Church reform and contemplative theology, especially when considering the circumstances of her life.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Just a few decades after her death, Pope Gregory XV canonized Teresa of Ávila on March 12, 1622, alongside <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/ignatius-loyola/">St. Ignatius of Loyola</a>, St. Frances Xavier, and St. Philip Neri – four truly inspirational saints in the realm of prayer, evangelization, and education! And canonizations in this period of Church history were exceptionally rare, as Fr. Roger Landry <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/blog/5-important-lessons-from-st-teresa-of-avila">explains</a>:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Even though the Council of Trent taught that the example and intercession of the saints was a great help to the faithful, it took 25 years after the close of the Council for anyone to be canonized. In fact, between 1492 and 1587, only three people had been canonized, one at a time. Pope Gregory changed that, canonizing at once four great saints of the Counter-Reformation, who were alive over the span of his own life, who not only symbolized what the Church is about but played major roles in helping her turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Fr. Roger Landry</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Centuries after her death in 1582, Pope Paul VI <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/28/archives/theresa-named-doctor-of-church-first-such-donor-for-woman.html">declared</a> St. Teresa of Ávila a Doctor of the Church in 1970. Teresa was the first woman ever to be given this title! And just a week later, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/st-catherine-of-siena-feast-prayers-quotes-feast-day/">St. Catherine of Siena</a>, another woman of prayer, authorship, and activism, was given the same title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Today, there are only two other female doctors of the Church: St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Hildegard von Bingen. Many historians and theologians have written about these four inspiring women, and we encourage you to learn more about them!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="fun-fact-3-teresas">Fun fact: 3 “Teresas”&nbsp;</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Did you know St. Thérèse of Lisieux was named after St. Teresa of Ávila? And that Mother Teresa, formally known as St. Teresa of Calcutta, named herself after St. Thérèse of Lisieux when she became a nun?&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"center","width":250,"height":306,"sizeSlug":"large","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9c/Teresa_of_%C3%81vila.jpg" alt="" style="width:250px;height:306px" width="250" height="306"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Teresa of Ávila painted by François Gérard</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="St-Teresa-of-Ávila-on-prayer">What does St. Teresa of Ávila teach us about prayer?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="interior-castle">Our souls are like castles in the Kingdom of God.&nbsp;</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Teresa’s <em>Interior Castle</em> is filled with many insights about the power of contemplative prayer. While I highly recommend reading <em>The Interior Castle</em> in full at some point in your life, the overarching theme of the book leads you to see your soul as a castle created by God, reminiscent of His Kingdom. In prayer, you journey through the many room or “mansions” of your soul, ultimately discovering God at the center.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="become-friends-with-god">Prayer is really about becoming friends with God.&nbsp;</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">St. Teresa of Ávila famously <a href="https://stjosemaria.org/between-friends-the-feast-of-st-teresa-of-avila/">wrote</a> in her spiritual autobiography (<em>The Book of Her Life)</em>,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:pullquote --> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p><strong>“For mental prayer, in my opinion, is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us.”&nbsp;</strong></p><cite>St. Teresa of Ávila</cite></blockquote></figure> <!-- /wp:pullquote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">When you think of your closest friends, these are often people you have spent a lot of time with at some point in your life; they are people you think about often, who you care deeply about and love to celebrate. Teresa encourages us to see God as our friend, too. To get closer to someone, to become their friend, you need to get to know them. With God, we do so in prayer, though this looks different for everyone!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">This is also how Hallow looks at building a habit of prayer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Find more prayer tips <a href="https://hallow.com/how-to-pray/">here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Christian-Mysticism-saints">More on Christian Mysticism</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Many other saints and theologians have urged us to consider the power of intimate, contemplative communion with God. So many of them have been inspirational to our team at Hallow! These saints and writers are often called “mystics.” </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">If you’re interested in learning more about Christian mysticism, we recommend looking into St. John of the Cross, a friend of St. Teresa of Ávila, <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/francis-of-assisi/">St. Francis of Assisi</a>, <a href="https://hallow.com/saints/faustina/">St. Faustina</a>, to whom Jesus revealed the <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-divine-mercy-chaplet/">Divine Mercy Chaplet</a>, and <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/15/padre-pio-prayers-feast-day/">Padre Pio</a>. And these are just a few of the great Christian mystics – so many brilliant and creative authors, artists, musicians, and others have influenced this area of theology and spirituality. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/StTeresaofAvila">Pray with the Mystics </a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":27698,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/St-Teresa-of-Avila-1-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27698"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":27672,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/St-Teresa-of-Avila-2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27672"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="St-Teresa-of-Avila-prayers">St. Teresa of Ávila prayers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Teresa’s beautiful way of writing guides us to <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/21/how-to-pray-the-surrender-novena/">surrender</a> ourselves to God. Turn to these two St. Teresa of Ávila prayers when you’re looking for God’s guidance in your life.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Christ has no body but yours” prayer</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Christ has no body but yours,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>No hands, no feet on earth but yours,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the eyes with which He looks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Compassion on this world,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the hands, with which He blesses all the world.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the hands, yours are the feet,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the eyes, you are His body.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Christ has no body now but yours,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>No hands, no feet on earth but yours,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Yours are the eyes with which he looks</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>compassion on this world.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Christ has no body now on earth but yours.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">“Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You” prayer</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Always follow Your plans,</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>And perfectly accomplish Your holy will.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Grant that in all things, great and small,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Today and all the days of my life,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>I may do whatever You may require of me.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Help me to respond to the slightest prompting of Your grace,&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>So that I may be your trustworthy instrument, for Your honor.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>May your will be done in time and eternity – by me, in me, and through me.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Amen.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/StTeresaofAvila">Pray with St. Teresa of Ávila </a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="St-Teresa-of-Ávila-quotes">St. Teresa of Ávila quotes</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">For when you need some motivation for prayer or inspiration to give all of your <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-anxiety/">worries</a> to God:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">On humility</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world.”</em> – St. Teresa of Ávila&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">On surrender</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can, namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us.”</em> – St. Teresa of Ávila&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">On letting go and trusting God</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">“<em>Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” </em>– St. Teresa of Ávila</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“ .. It is presumptuous in me to wish to choose my path, because I cannot tell which path is best for me. I must leave it to the Lord, Who knows me, to lead me by the path which is best for me, so that in all things His will may be done.”</em> – St. Teresa of Ávila</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">On the soul</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.”</em> – St. Teresa of Ávila</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>“I began to think of the soul as if it were a castle made of a single diamond or of very clear crystal, in which there are many rooms, just as in Heaven there are many mansions.” </em>– St. Teresa of Ávila</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Learn more about the spirituality and teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila from Dr. Gwen Adams in her sessions “A Place to Meet God” and “Exploring Your Inner Country.” You’ll find these sessions in Meditate &gt; Guests on the Hallow App.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><br>We’d also love to invite you to join us in praying the St. Teresa Novena on Hallow. Teresa’s Feast Day, October 15, is a great date to begin this <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-novenas/">novena</a>, though you can start it anytime that works for you!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/StTeresaofAvila">Pray with Hallow</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Related-prayers-and-saints">Related prayers and saints&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class=""><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-st-jude-novena/">St. Jude Novena</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-michael-chaplet/">St. Michael Chaplet</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-mary-undoer-of-knots-novena/">Mary, Undoer of Knots Novena</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-rosary/">How to Pray the Rosary</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/14/prayer-to-the-holy-spirit-and-other-holy-spirit-prayers/">Prayers to the Holy Spirit</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => St. Teresa of Ávila – Who St. Teresa of Ávila Was, Her Feast Day, Carmelite Spirituality, Prayers & Quotes [post_excerpt] => St. Teresa of Ávila is one of the four female doctors of the Church. She is such an inspiration to our team at Hallow that we claim her as our patron saint! [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => st-teresa-of-avila-prayers-quotes-feast-day [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2023-10-05 15:38:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2023-10-05 15:38:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://hallow.com/?p=27529 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw )

WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 27448 [post_author] => 43 [post_date] => 2022-10-07 18:50:07 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-10-07 18:50:07 [post_content] => <!-- wp:quote {"className":""} --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><em>Advent is a journey towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be drawn by </em><strong><em>the light</em></strong><em> of God made man.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><cite>Pope Francis</cite></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">During Advent, we prepare for His coming – He who brought Light into the darkness – for four weeks, represented by the four candles around the Advent wreath.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong>Table of Contents</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#advent-wreaths">Advent wreaths – history and meaning&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Blessing-of-an-Advent-wreath">Blessing of an Advent wreath (USSCB)</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Advent-candles">Advent candles</a><!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#What-do-the-four-candles-of-Advent-symbolize?">What do the four candles of Advent symbolize?</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Advent-candle-weeks-names-colors">Advent candle weeks, names &amp; colors&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#first-advent-candle-hope">First Candle/Sunday: Hope</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#second-advent-candle-peace">SecondCandle/Sunday: Peace</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#third-advent-candle-joy">Third Candle/Sunday: Joy – “Gaudete Sunday”</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#fourth-advent-candle-love">Fourth Candle/Sunday: Love</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#Prayer-for-lighting-Advent-candles">Prayers for lighting Advent candles (Henri Nouwen</a>)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="#related-prayers">Related prayers&nbsp;</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The word <em>“Advent” </em>comes from the Latin word <a href="https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=advent"><em>“adventus,”</em></a> which means <em>“a coming, approach, arrival.”</em> When we expect guests to arrive at our homes, we turn the lights on; we anticipate their arrival and welcome them with joy. In Advent, we prepare our homes and churches as we joyfully anticipate His arrival, and the light also gets brighter as we near Christmas day, the day on which the <em>Light of the World</em> was born. St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em><strong>“Today, the darkness begins to grow shorter and the light to lengthen, as the hours of light become fewer. […] Do you see that the beams of light are more intense and the sun higher than it has been? Realize that the true light is now here and, through the rays of the Gospel, is illuminating the whole earth.”</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Advent wreaths and candles are commonly seen in Catholic churches during the liturgical season. Many people also display Advent wreaths in their homes and light a candle each Sunday as families. Read more to learn about the history, traditions, and symbolism behind Advent wreaths and candles and how you can celebrate Advent at home with family and friends.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="advent-wreaths">Advent wreaths</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition. Potentially overlooked by the candles it holds to light the way for the birth of Jesus, the Advent wreath itself symbolizes many themes and beliefs central to the Christian faith. In parishes, Advent wreaths are placed anywhere on the altar, on a side table, or even hung from the ceiling. In the home, you might place your Advent wreath on an entry or dining table or another location where you, your family, and your guests can enjoy the wreath during the Advent season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">History of the Advent wreath</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The origin of the Advent wreath has been traced back to Germany, though the exact dates are unknown. Historians have <a href="https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-history-of-the-advent-wreath.html">suggested</a> that pre-Christian Germanic peoples would light candles around wreaths in the dark winter months in anticipation of the warmer, lighter months in springtime. This tradition likely evolved into an “Advent wreath” at some point during the Middle Ages, transforming the pagan tradition into a Christian one. Rev. William Saunders <a href="https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-history-of-the-advent-wreath.html">explained</a> that “By 1600, both Catholics and Lutherans had more formal practices surrounding the Advent wreath.” Ultimately, the Advent wreath tradition spread beyond Germany and into other areas of the world, namely throughout the western Church.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Advent wreath meaning</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes God’s infinite love for us – it is never-ending, just like the true Light of the World, Jesus, who leads us into eternal life with Him. The materials of the Advent wreath similarly lead us to reflect on the everlasting nature of God; traditionally, Advent wreaths have been made of evergreen leaves, such as pine or fir, which maintain their green color beyond the season in which they are collected. Nowadays, there are many modern interpretations of Advent wreaths that still help us celebrate the traditional meaning of the wreath: preparing the way for the Light of the World, Jesus. Battery-operated/LED wreaths are a good example of this as they simulate the four candles but don’t require lighting each week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Blessing-of-an-Advent-wreath">Blessing of an Advent wreath (USCCB)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:yoast/how-to-block {"hasDuration":true,"minutes":"5","jsonDescription":"Pray \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath\u0022\u003ethis blessing\u003c/a\u003e from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the night before or on the first Sunday of Advent in your home. ","steps":[{"id":"how-to-step-1665164747305","name":["Make the Sign of the Cross."],"text":[{"type":"em","props":{"children":[" In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. "]}}],"jsonName":"Make the Sign of the Cross.","jsonText":"\u003cem\u003e In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. \u003c/em\u003e"},{"id":"how-to-step-1665164773145","name":["Say, ",{"type":"em","props":{"children":["“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”"]}}],"text":[],"jsonName":"Say, \u003cem\u003e“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”\u003c/em\u003e","jsonText":""},{"id":"how-to-step-1665164779912","name":["Then, read Scripture from the Book of Isaiah."],"text":["The USCCB points us toward ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A1-2%2CIsaiah+9%3A5-6\u0026version=NRSVCE","children":["Isaiah 9"]}},", ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+63%3A+16-17+%2C+19\u0026version=NRSVCE","children":["Isaiah 63"]}},", or ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A2-7\u0026version=NRSVCE","children":["Isaiah 64"]}},". "],"jsonName":"Then, read Scripture from the Book of Isaiah.","jsonText":"The USCCB points us toward \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A1-2%2CIsaiah+9%3A5-6\u0026amp;version=NRSVCE\u0022\u003eIsaiah 9\u003c/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+63%3A+16-17+%2C+19\u0026amp;version=NRSVCE\u0022\u003eIsaiah 63\u003c/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A2-7\u0026amp;version=NRSVCE\u0022\u003eIsaiah 64\u003c/a\u003e. "},{"id":"how-to-step-1665164789378","name":["Pray with the following blessing written by the ",{"type":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath","children":["USCCB"]}},"."],"text":[{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["“Lord our God,"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["He is the Savior of every nation."]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["Lord God,"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["let your blessing come upon us"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["as we light the candles of this wreath."]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["May the wreath and its light"]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation."]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["May He come quickly and not delay."]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["We ask this through Christ our Lord."]}},{"type":"br","props":{"children":[]}},{"type":"em","props":{"children":["Amen.”"]}}],"jsonName":"Pray with the following blessing written by the \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath\u0022\u003eUSCCB\u003c/a\u003e.","jsonText":"\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Lord our God,\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003ewe praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eHe is the Savior of every nation.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eLord God,\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003elet your blessing come upon us\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eas we light the candles of this wreath.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eMay the wreath and its light\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003ebe a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eMay He come quickly and not delay.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe ask this through Christ our Lord.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cbr/\u003e\u003cem\u003eAmen.”\u003c/em\u003e"}],"defaultDurationText":"Time needed:"} --> <div class="schema-how-to wp-block-yoast-how-to-block"><p class="schema-how-to-total-time"><span class="schema-how-to-duration-time-text">Time needed: </span>5 minutes. </p><p class="schema-how-to-description">Pray <a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath">this blessing</a> from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the night before or on the first Sunday of Advent in your home.&nbsp;</p> <ol class="schema-how-to-steps"><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1665164747305"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Make the Sign of the Cross.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"><em> In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. </em></p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1665164773145"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Say, <em>“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”</em></strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"></p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1665164779912"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Then, read Scripture from the Book of Isaiah.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text">The USCCB points us toward <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+9%3A1-2%2CIsaiah+9%3A5-6&amp;version=NRSVCE">Isaiah 9</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+63%3A+16-17+%2C+19&amp;version=NRSVCE">Isaiah 63</a>, or <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+64%3A2-7&amp;version=NRSVCE">Isaiah 64</a>. </p> </li><li class="schema-how-to-step" id="how-to-step-1665164789378"><strong class="schema-how-to-step-name">Pray with the following blessing written by the <a href="https://www.usccb.org/prayers/blessing-advent-wreath">USCCB</a>.</strong> <p class="schema-how-to-step-text"><br/><em>“Lord our God,</em><br/><em>we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:</em><br/><em>He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,</em><br/><em>He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,</em><br/><em>He is the Savior of every nation.</em><br/><em>Lord God,</em><br/><em>let your blessing come upon us</em><br/><em>as we light the candles of this wreath.</em><br/><em>May the wreath and its light</em><br/><em>be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.</em><br/><em>May He come quickly and not delay.</em><br/><em>We ask this through Christ our Lord.</em><br/><em>Amen.”</em></p> </li></ol></div> <!-- /wp:yoast/how-to-block --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/adventwreath">Pray with Hallow This Advent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="Advent-candles">Advent candles&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":70255,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Advent-Candles-1024x768.png" alt="An illustration of the four Advent candles (three purple, one pink) with descriptions of their meaning and significance." class="wp-image-70255"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The four Advent candles each have meaning.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="What-do-the-four-candles-of-Advent-symbolize?">What do the four candles of Advent symbolize?</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, <a href="https://hallow.com/blog/prayers-for-happiness-and-joy/">joy</a>, and love. In some homes and parishes, people will also light a fifth candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus; this candle, when added to the Advent wreath, is typically white and larger than the other candles and is placed in the center of the wreath.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Advent-candle-weeks-names-colors">Advent candle weeks, names &amp; colors&nbsp;</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Advent week 1 – Hope: Prophecy Candle (purple)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Advent week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem Candle (purple)&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Advent week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s Candle (pink)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Advent week 4 – Love: Angel’s Candle (purple)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="first-advent-candle-hope">First Advent Candle/Sunday: Hope</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>“Once in our world, a stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.”</em></strong><strong> – C.S. Lewis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">It is only fitting that the first candle on the Advent wreath represents <strong>Hope</strong> – the first Sunday of Advent not only leads us to anticipate the birth of Christ but celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical season as well. The first candle is <strong>purple</strong>, the primary color of Advent and a color symbolizing royalty. Sometimes called the <strong>“Prophecy Candle,”</strong> the first candle harkens us back to Isaiah’s foretelling of the birth of Christ and all of the promises God gave us in the Old Testament that would be fulfilled by the birth of Jesus. This Advent, light the first candle on <strong>Sunday, December 1, 2024</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="second-advent-candle-peace">Second Advent Candle/Sunday: Peace</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>“May we be in this world a ray of that light which shone forth from Bethlehem, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all men and women.”</em></strong><strong> – Pope Francis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The second candle on the Advent wreath represents <strong>Peace</strong>. Like the first candle, it is also purple. Often called the <strong>“Bethlehem Candle,”</strong> the second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. Building on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle, this second candle recalls that after all of the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth – Jesus is coming, and so is his Kingdom of Peace. As we read in the quote from Pope Francis, this light of peace shone forth from Bethlehem for all the world. This Advent, light the second candle on <strong>Sunday, December 8, 2024.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="third-advent-candle-joy">Third Advent Candle/Sunday: Joy – “Gaudete Sunday”</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’”</em></strong><strong> (Luke 2:10-12)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The third candle of Advent symbolizes <strong>Joy</strong>. As we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. The third candle takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even before the wise men. On this third Sunday of Advent, which the Church calls “Gaudete Sunday,” meaning rejoice or praise, we light the third candle and rejoice like the shepherds. For this reason, the third candle of Advent is called the <strong>“Shepherd’s Candle,” </strong>and its color is <strong>pink</strong>, the liturgical color for joy. This Advent, light the third candle on <strong>Sunday, December 15, 2024.&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="fourth-advent-candle-love">Fourth Advent Candle/Sunday: Love</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class=""><strong><em>“And in the end, everything else will turn out to be unimportant and inessential, except for this: Father, Child, and Love.”</em></strong><strong> – St. (Pope) John Paul II</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">The fourth candle of Advent represents <strong>Love, </strong>the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. Called the <strong>“Angel’s Candle,”</strong> the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color <strong>purple</strong>, leading us to eagerly await the new Kingdom of God on earth. This Advent, light the fourth candle on <strong>Sunday, December 22, 2024</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":70277,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","className":""} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Advent-Calendar-2024-1024x788.png" alt="" class="wp-image-70277"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="Prayer-for-lighting-Advent-candles">Prayer for lighting Advent candles — Henri Nouwen</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Each person or family might approach lighting Advent candles in a different way, which is totally okay! Some families will let different members light a candle each week and say a prayer. What matters most is that the candles remind you of the overflowing hope, peace, joy, and love that the birth of Jesus means for each of us. If you’re struggling to find the words for prayer, this Advent prayer from <a href="https://nhop.ca/an-advent-prayer-henri-nouwen/">Fr. Henri J.M. Nouwen</a> encapsulates what many of us feel and <a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/02/prayers-for-hope/">hope</a> for during the Advent season:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>Lord Jesus, Master of both light and darkness, send your </em><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/14/prayer-to-the-holy-spirit-and-other-holy-spirit-prayers/"><em>Holy Spirit</em></a><em> upon our preparation for Christmas.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear Your voice each day.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your Kingdom.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of Your presence.&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","className":""} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><em>We are Your people, walking in darkness yet seeking the light. To You, we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”&nbsp;</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:buttons {"layout":{"type":"flex","justifyContent":"center"}} --> <div class="wp-block-buttons"><!-- wp:button --> <div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://hallow.app.link/adventwreath">Pray with Hallow This Advent</a></div> <!-- /wp:button --></div> <!-- /wp:buttons --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where to find Advent candles and wreaths?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">First, check with your local parish for Advent wreaths and candles. You can also purchase Advent candles and wreaths at local religious stores, from individuals selling on Etsy or personal sites, or through major shopping outlets like Target, Amazon, and Walmart. Or, you can attempt to DIY an Advent wreath and candles by putting together a wreath made of natural materials around your home or neighborhood; then, add purple and pink ribbons around plain white candles to signify the specialty and sacredness of the four Sundays of Advent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p class="">Stay tuned for our #Pray25 Advent Community Challenge on Hallow – we cannot wait to pray with you!&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":""} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="related-prayers">Related prayers &amp; information&nbsp;</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list {"className":""} --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Advent-Calendar-2024-Digital.pdf">Hallow 2024 Advent Calendar for Download &amp; Print</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/09/30/advent-prayers-catholic-meditations/">Catholic Advent Prayers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/2022/10/03/the-schedule-of-advent-when-does-advent-start-in-2022/">When does Advent start in 2023?</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/thanksgiving-prayer/">Thanksgiving Prayers &amp; Blessings</a>&nbsp;</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-the-st-andrew-christmas-novena/">How to Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/christmas-prayer-catholic-blessings/">Christmas Prayers &amp; Blessings</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/new-years-prayers/">New Year’s Prayers &amp; Blessings</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://hallow.com/blog/how-to-pray-our-father/">Our Father Prayer</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> [post_title] => Advent Candles and Advent Wreaths: The History and Meaning, Colors, Symbolism, Themes, and More&nbsp; [post_excerpt] => Learn the meaning and history behind the traditional Advent wreath and Advent candles. 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