For me, Advent and Christmas offer us the opportunity to renew our relationship with God and to be more attentive to his presence through prayer, reflection, traditional acts of service, gratitude and simplicity. I can experience the deep joy and peace that comes from knowing that God is with us. As we celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts to his presence and allow him to transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
— Jiemefehl Agustin
During Advent and Christmas, we can be attentive to God’s presence by taking time to reflect on his love for us and by finding ways to share that love with others. Simple acts of kindness and generosity can bring us closer to God and remind us of the true meaning of the season.
— Valerie Castillo
Similar to Lent, the Church encourages us to participate in prayer, fasting and almsgiving during Advent. By participating in these three pillars, we can approach this season of anticipation prayerfully and arrive on Christmas morning with hearts ready to receive the Christ Child.
For me, it’s about opening our hearts to God’s presence and letting his love shine through us. Embrace the season with anticipation and we’ll find that Advent brings us closer to Jesus and enriches our walk with him. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey to Christmas with a sense of wonder and gratitude.
Parents and children need to be reminded of the Gospel story and reminded each day why we celebrate Christmas. Read the Bible together, sing Christ-centred hymns, and put on plays in the home that point back to the truths of the Gospel.
— Eleonor Castro
During this season of Advent and Christmas, we can be attentive to God’s presence in our lives as we prepare for Christ’s coming into the world at his birth. I spend time in God, concentrated and alone. Let the words I speak be my love for Him. I try to spend time with the Lord by attending an Advent-related event, such as a retreat, and taking time to read Scripture. If I cannot go in person, I watch online. We always bring with us the hope, peace, love and joy in our hearts.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
—Irish C. Escober
Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation. Advent gives us time to prepare for the coming of Christ. It helps me along the way to meditate, to pray more, to attend Mass and to be grateful for all the blessings given to me and my loved ones. It is a realisation that we are very fortunate to know that God, out of his great love for us, gave us his only Son in an extraordinary way. More so, we should be instruments of spreading love and sharing blessings this coming Christmas.
— Josielyn N. Falcunaga
I think we can feel the presence of God by living “simply”. God was born in the midst of simplicity, he was born in an unworthy place even though he is God and King, but behind that simplicity he brought joy and a happy life in the midst of the world. Simple living does not mean first of all quiet possessions, but simplicity is love, helping, forgiving and living according to the Christian way of life. To follow Jesus means to follow his simple way of life so that the Advent and Christmas season will be an extraordinary moment and we will always bring joy to many people.
— Brother Leo Sugianto Lingga
