ALL ABOUT ADVENT
An Advent Playlist: ​Learning about and Reflecting on Season of Advent

Advent is a liturgical season in our Church that prepares us to welcome Jesus at Christmas. The season is a gift to us, reminding us to slow down, and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle. This Advent create your own special playlist to help you get into the true spirit of Christmas. Videos, reflections activities are intended to make this preparation joyful! Get creative and have fun. Don't let the lists overwhelm you. The abundance of ideas is not intended to add to the pressure. Just choose something that speaks to you: learning about Advent, focusing on wreaths, calendars, nativities, Christmas books, Christmas baking, or even Christmas movies.

We wish you and your family a Joy-filled Advent and a Very Merry Christmas!
3 minutes or less:
Watch Advent in 2 Minutes to get a brief 101 on Advent. Name one thing that stands out.
10 minutes or less:
Watch this short reflection by Fr. Mike and reflect on what Advent really means to you. How will you make room for Jesus this year?
5 minutes or less
Is your Christmas real? Watch this video and discuss the elements of your Christmas that help keep your family's focus on the real meaning of the season.
10 minutes to a whole afternoon
​Using the song "I Will Wait" (Mumford & Sons) we are reminded of the many ways we wait for Jesus during the season: Advent calendars, Advent wreaths, setting up nativity scenes, and Christmas trees, preparing to celebrate Christ's coming. Talk about your own family traditions. Or make your own Advent video using Animoto (animato.com) and your own photos of Christmas present and past.
5 Minutes PLUS
​Watch this 3 minute video then contemplate how you will meet Jesus in the Eucharist. Depending on when you watch the video spend time throughout the day reflecting on the gift of Jesus' presence in the Eucharist and how receiving him helps us be present to others. 
5 minutes Daily throughout Advent 
Watch this one minute video then sign up for the Best Advent Ever 2017 at https://dynamiccatholic.com/best-advent-ever. Starting December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, you'll receive daily emails with short inspirational videos from Matthew Kelly and Dr. Allen Hunt, practical tips to incorporate into your everyday life, and personal stories from Dynamic Catholic team members.
6 Minutes (video is approx. 6 minutes)
This video explains how our waiting for Christmas in Advent is not a passive waiting. It's an active waiting. How will you act?
5 minutes (Video approx. 3 minutes)
Fr. Jack Collins, CSP, will do almost anything to ask people what they know about Advent, even get on the ice at Bryant Park.​ 

More Opportunities to Explore Advent:

A Busy Catholic's Guide to Advent: 10 Tips for Observing the Season (National Catholic Reporter)
Advent: How to Make the Waiting Worth It (U.S. Catholic News)
A Guide to Advent across Topics (Loyola Press)