Originally published at National Catholic Register
Bring the true spirit of Advent into your home with simple, faith-filled traditions for every age.
“It is fitting, my brethren, that we should celebrate this season of Advent with all possible devotion, rejoicing in so great a consolation, marveling at so great a condescension, inflamed with love by so great a manifestation of charity.” — St. Bernard of Clairvaux
The beautiful, peaceful, preparatory season of Advent is upon us. Here are seven ways you can live Advent more intentionally with your Catholic family:
1. Do the Jesse Tree tradition together. The Jesse Tree is a walk through the ancestral line of Christ, from Adam to Jesus. Different days of Advent are spent reflecting on different people or symbols from Jesus’ family tree, so it is a wonderful devotion to travel through the story of salvation history throughout Advent, leading up to Christ’s birth. There are so many great resources available to help your family practice the Jesse Tree devotion. I recommend checking out this Jesse Tree Bundle (with easy-to-use and affordable cards and stickers); these books: The Jesse Tree for Families, The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion, or O Come, Emmanuel; as well as these pulpboard ornaments or
