Advent

Advent 2021 starts on Sunday, November 28, and lasts until Christmas Eve, December 24. It's a time of preparing our hearts and minds for the celebration of our Lord’s birth on Christmas and his second coming at the end of time.

Draw Near to Christ

Archbishop Etienne has chosen the theme "Draw Near to Christ" for this Advent and invites you to join him in this video.

Read Archbishop Etienne's blog for more Advent inspiration.

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Weekly Advent reflections

Draw near to Christ this Advent with a new reflection each Sunday of Advent, each one helping us to take one more step nearer and to open ourselves for Jesus to draw nearer to us.

Week 1 reflection in English

First week of Advent: Reflect and Renew

It’s easy for the run-up to Christmas to become a blur of buying and wrapping and eating and drinking and hustling and bustling and trying so hard to be merry even if what we really feel is anxious or burned out or desperately lonely.

The season of Advent invites us to walk a different path, one of quiet reflection and deep renewal. As we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s first coming and vigilantly await his second coming, Jesus also invites us to a more intimate and life-giving encounter with him in the many ways he comes to us each day.

Take some quiet time this week to pause and prayerfully reflect on how you can draw nearer to Christ this Advent. Consider renewing your commitment to spend time with him in Scripture, to receive his presence in the Eucharist and his forgiveness and healing in the sacrament of reconciliation, and to do works of love for those in need.

Week 1 reflection in Spanish

1ra. Semana: Reflexionar y renovarse

Es fácil que el ajetreo que precede a la Navidad nos haga sentir que estamos en una nebulosa de comprar y envolver regalos, comer y beber, a las corridas intentando ser felices cuando en realidad nos sentimos ansiosos, exhaustos o desesperadamente solos.

Tómese un tiempo tranquilo esta semana para hacer un alto y reflexionar en oración sobre cómo puede acercarse a Cristo este Adviento. Considere renovar su compromiso de pasar tiempo con Él en las Escrituras, de recibir su presencia en la Eucaristía y sanación en el sacramento de la reconciliación, y para hacer obras de amor por los necesitados.

Week 1 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the First Week of Advent

Sunday: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14; 1 Thessalonians 3:12–4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Monday: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Matthew 8:5-11

Tuesday: Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Matthew 4:18-22

Wednesday: Isaiah 25:6-10a; Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Matthew 15:29-37

Thursday: Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

Friday: Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

Saturday: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Matthew 9:35–10:1, 5a, 6-8

Week 2 reflection in English

Second week of Advent: Prepare the Way

So many aspects of modern life seem designed to keep us feeling overwhelmed and scattered, scrambling in a thousand directions at once — and the “holiday season” often amplifies the anxiety.

Into this chaos steps John the Baptist — “a voice of one crying out in the desert,” reminding us, in this Sunday’s Gospel reading, of our Advent mission: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

The sacrament of reconciliation is a beautiful and powerful gift that Jesus has given us for just this purpose. As Pope Francis has said, “When I go to confession, it is in order to be healed, to heal my soul. To leave with greater spiritual health. To pass from misery to mercy. … The center of confession is Jesus who waits for us, who listens to us and forgives us.”

If it’s been a while since your last confession, there are helpful resources on the “Reconciliation and penance” page of this website.

Week 2 reflection in Spanish

Semana 2: Prepara el camino

Muchos aspectos de la vida moderna parecen diseñados para hacernos sentir abrumados y dispersos, luchando en mil direcciones a la vez, y la “temporada de fiestas” a menudo amplifica la ansiedad.

En este caos entra Juan el Bautista, "una voz de quien clama en el desierto", recordándonos, en la lectura del Evangelio de este domingo, nuestra misión de Adviento: "Preparad el camino del Señor, enderezar sus sendas".

El sacramento de la reconciliación es un don hermoso y poderoso que Jesús nos ha dado precisamente con este propósito. Como ha dicho el Papa Francisco: “Cuando me confieso, es para ser curado, para curar mi alma. Salir con mayor salud espiritual. Pasar de la miseria a la misericordia. … El centro de la confesión es Jesús que nos espera, que nos escucha y nos perdona”.

Si ha pasado un tiempo desde su última confesión, hay recursos útiles en la página "Reconciliación y penitencia" del sitio web arquidiocesano.

Week 2 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the Second Week of Advent

Sunday: Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Monday: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Luke 5:17-26

Tuesday: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13; Matthew 18:12-14

Wednesday: Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38

Thursday: Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Matthew 11:11-15

Friday: Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Matthew 11:16-19

Saturday: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Psalm 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Week 3 reflection in English

Third week of Advent: Rejoice in the Lord

“Rejoice in the Lord always,” St. Paul exhorts us on this rose-colored Gaudete Sunday. He continues with words of deep consolation: “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

As we prepare for the great (and rapidly approaching) feast of the Lord’s Nativity, we ask God to enable us “to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing” (Collect for the Third Sunday of Advent).

Amid the celebration, the ever-bracing John the Baptist reminds us, in this Sunday’s Gospel, to remember the poor: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” If you are looking for ways to help those in need,” consider donating to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington.

Week 3 reflection in Spanish

Semana 3: Alégrense en el Señor

“Gozaos siempre en el Señor”, nos exhorta San Pablo en este Domingo Gaudete color de rosa. Continúa con palabras de profundo consuelo: “Cercano está el Señor. No tengas ansiedad en absoluto, pero en todo, con oración y súplica, con acción de gracias, da a conocer tus peticiones a Dios. Entonces la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará tu corazón y tu mente en Cristo Jesús”.

Mientras nos preparamos para la gran fiesta (y que se acerca rápidamente) de la Natividad del Señor, le pedimos a Dios que nos permita “alcanzar el gozo de una salvación tan grande y celebrarlo siempre con adoración solemne y con gozo” (Colecta del tercer día). Domingo de Adviento).

En medio de la celebración, el siempre vigoroso Juan Bautista nos recuerda, en el Evangelio de este domingo, recordar a los pobres: “Quien tiene dos mantos debe compartir con quien no los tiene. Y quien tenga comida, haga lo mismo". Si está buscando formas de ayudar a los necesitados”, considere hacer una donación a Servicios Comunitarios Católicos del oeste de Washington.

Week 3 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the third Week of Advent

Sunday: Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

Monday: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9; Matthew 21:23-27

Tuesday: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23; Matthew 21:28-32

Wednesday: Isaiah 45:6c-8, 18, 21c-25; Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Luke 7:18b-23

Thursday: Isaiah 54:1-10; Psalm 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; Luke 7:24-30

Friday: Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17; Matthew 1:1-17

Saturday: Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Matthew 1:18-25

Week 4 reflection in English

Fourth week of Advent: Be Still and Listen

The Virgin Mary exemplifies two essential aspects of the life of faith: the active and the contemplative. The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent finds the newly pregnant Mary in full active mode, traveling “in haste” to the hill country to visit her relative Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.

At the sound of Mary’s greeting, the infant in Elizabeth’s womb leaps for joy, and Elizabeth cries, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Mary believed because she heard, and she heard because she listened. She made time to listen for the voice of God in silent, contemplative prayer, and she listened for him in the events of her life, “reflecting on them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).

Amid the bustle and excitement of these final days before Christmas, make time this week to sit in silence and listen for what God is saying to you.

Week 4 reflection in Spanish

Semana 4: Estén en calma y escuchen

La Virgen María ejemplifica dos aspectos esenciales de la vida de fe: el activo y el contemplativo. La lectura del Evangelio para el cuarto domingo de Adviento encuentra a María embarazada en pleno modo activo, viajando “apresuradamente” a la región montañosa para visitar a su pariente Isabel, que está embarazada de Juan el Bautista.

Al oír el saludo de María, el bebé en el vientre de Isabel salta de alegría, e Isabel grita: "Bendita tú que creíste lo que se cumpliría lo que te dijo el Señor".

María creyó porque oyó y oyó porque escuchó. Hizo tiempo para escuchar la voz de Dios en oración silenciosa y contemplativa, y lo escuchó en los acontecimientos de su vida, “reflexionando sobre ellos en su corazón” (Lucas 2, 19).

En medio del bullicio y la emoción de estos últimos días antes de Navidad, dedique tiempo esta semana para sentarse en silencio a escuchar lo que Dios le está diciendo.

Week 4 Scripture readings

Scripture readings for the fourth Week of Advent

Sunday: Micah 5:1-4a; Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

Monday: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Luke 1:26-38

Tuesday: Song of Songs 2:8-14; Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Luke 1:39-45

Wednesday: 1 Samuel 1:24-28; 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd; Luke 1:46-56

Thursday: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Luke 1:57-66

Friday: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Luke 1:67-79

None for Saturday since it's Christmas Day!

Advent resources

Advent traditions and prayers

Take time this advent to be intentional about setting time aside to pray, prepare, and draw nearer to Christ. Try something new this year:

Read the daily Mass readings. You can find them on the USCCB website or on apps like Laudate, Hallow or iBreviary.
Attend daily Mass if possible.
Set up an Advent wreath and pray every evening together, followed by a verse of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." Blessing of an Advent Wreath.
Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena from November 30 to Christmas. Traditionally prayed 15 times a day, try praying it once or twice a day to start.
Pray the O Antiphons December 17 to 23.
Incorporate the Advent color purple in your decorations to remind you that it's Advent. As a reminder, watch this fun video from Busted Halo that puts it in a new perspective.
Set up the Nativity scene but keep the manger empty until Christmas, when you'll add baby Jesus after attending Mass. Take a moment to bless the manger.
Take some ideas from this article, "Celebrating Advent as a Family," in which the author describes her family's Advent traditions.
Read Advent books to your family. Click here for suggestions.
For even more Advent ideas, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle's Faith Formation Advent resources page:
In English
In Spanish

Hispanic prayers and traditions

December 3-11: Novena to prepare for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12

December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 16-24: Posadas. In many parishes, the Hispanic community celebrates the Posadas. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or “accommodation” and is a traditional celebration of nine days before Christmas telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that baby Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

For more, read "Hispanic Religious Practices During COVID-19 Pandemic":
In English
In Spanish

For more Advent resources in Spanish, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle's Faith Formation Advent page.

Saint feast days during Advent

The following saints' feast days are observed during Advent:

St. Andrew the Apostle, November 30. Pray the St. Andrew Christmas Novena from November 30 to Christmas.

St. Francis Xavier, December 3. Read about his life here.

St. Nicholas, December 6. Learn all about this great saint here. Read this article from Northwest Catholic on ways to celebrate St. Nicholas Day.

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8. This is a holy day of obligation. Join Archbishop Etienne for 8 a.m. Mass at St. James Cathedral.

St. Juan Diego, December 9. Read about his life here.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12. Read more here. Join our local celebration and Mass at St. James Cathedral on December 4.

St Lucy, December 13. Read about her life here.

John of the Cross, December 14. Read about his life here.

Parish and ministry resources

Find graphics for the following at the links below:

Social media plan and posting schedule
Bulletin ad (8.5 x 11)
Web banners

All the above assets in English

All the above assets in Spanish

Link to Archbishop Etienne's video: https://vimeo.com/642775737

Trying to encourage your parishioners to pray more during Advent? The Hallow app is offering parishes a special "Advent Holy Day" package. For more information, click here.

Advent encouragement

Finding yourself getting carried away with your to-do and shopping lists this Advent and feeling your serenity starting to slip away? Check out the following video and articles for encouragement.

Advent in two minutes

Watch Busted Halo's entertaining and relevant video reminder to stay grounded during Advent. Click here for video.

The gift of silence in Advent

"In our world of sensory overload, one of the greatest gifts we can offer our families is a time of silence." Read the column from Northwest Catholic.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

And it can be stressful too. Advice for families on how to stay focused on preparing for Advent and Christmas. Click here for article.

When your family's Advent falls apart

This can be an overwhelmingly busy time of year for families of school-aged children. Some real and practical advice and encouragement. Click here for article.

What's next?

Don't forget that Christmas is more than a day; it's an entire season. Think about how you want to keep the spirit of Christmas with prayer, celebration and new traditions.

Learn more