Advent looks hopefully toward the greatest expression of God’s loving presence imaginable. The Son of God poured himself out for us, becoming a little babe in his great desire to draw as close to us as possible, taking on our nature with all the daily joys and sorrows that come with it. Each Christmas, he invites us to encounter him anew, as he comes again to renew our lives. The Advent season, therefore, invites us to draw close to him, journeying to Bethlehem in spirit and sharing Jesus’s loving presence with family and friends.
To guide our journey, each day of Advent we will read from the Prophet Isaiah, who so clearly speaks of the coming of the Messiah, born of a Virgin. The newborn king comes to bring peace, not by intervening from above, but by coming to abide in our hearts, making us men of peace who spread the Kingdom of God in the world. Because God became man, he has given us a hope that surpasses anything else in the world.
By taking the preparation of Advent seriously, we imitate Jesus’s radical presence and availability. All the interactions in the home and our festive gatherings can become a means of sharing God’s loving presence with others. The Christmas season continues to bring our country together in the pursuit of joy and peace. Even if many overlook the reason for the season, we can refocus our attention on the coming of Christ in hope.
Exodus 90’s Advent Challenge offers concrete ways to live out the Advent season.
Msgr. James Shea, President of the University of Mary, will serve as a spiritual guide, offering a series of reflections to inspire us to live as apostles in spreading the Kingdom, ready to face the challenges of our day with peace and joy. One of the most compelling Catholic speakers today, he will offer practical insights rooted in the power of Christ’s coming.
A daily Advent calendar will help us to rediscover Advent and Christmas traditions rooted in our faith to overcome the consumerism and shallow entertainment that so often trivialize this beautiful season. We will discover the beautiful customs of feast days and explore the meaning of decorations, food, and prayers of the season.
Our disciplines will root us in an asceticism of hope, making clear steps to prepare for Christ’s coming and to share his loving presence with others.
Advent Challenge Disciplines
Read Advent Reading & Reflection - Read the daily scriptures from the Book of Isaiah for the season of Advent. The readings are your guide through this spiritual journey. Take time to let the word of God speak to you through these daily readings.
Pray the Angelus at 6am, Noon & 6pm - Prepare for the celebration of the Incarnation by meditating upon Mary's "yes" to God by praying the Angelus three times per day. The Angelus contains a series of three statements, interspersed with Hail Marys, about the mystery of the Incarnation and Mary's role within it.
10 Minutes of Silence each Morning - Begin the day with 10 minutes of silent vigil, keeping watch for the coming of the Lord.
10 Minutes of Silence each Night - End the day with 10 minutes of silent vigil, keeping watch for the coming of the Lord.
Be Uncommonly Present - God's presence in the Manger is his ultimate gift to us. And this we pattern by making ourselves uncommonly present to our family and friends throughout this season. Give up anything that takes you away from your time with them.
Regular Fraternity Meeting - As holiday schedules allow, come together regularly as a fraternity to check in about their fidelity to their Plan of Life and pray together. Stay faithful to this commitment you made to your brothers. Do your part to make your fraternity a committed band of brothers.
Cold Shower Wednesday & Friday - On Wednesdays & Fridays, take a cold shower as an act of self-sacrifice. As you prepare to step into the water, intentionally pray that the grace of this sacrifice may make you more present to your family and friends.
No Meat Wednesday & Friday - Do not consume meat on Wednesdays or Fridays in honor of Christ's betrayal and death on the cross during Holy Week. Look for other sources of protein such as beans, peanut butter, etc.
Celebrate the Sundays of Advent - Every Sunday is a Little Easter and should be observed with celebration and rest. In Advent, this celebration is one of joyful anticipation. As the O Antiphons state it so aptly: "Come, Root of Jesse, to set us free! Hasten now, and do not delay!"
