This weekend signals the start of Advent, the exciting period of time the Catholic church uses to prepare for Christmas.  Many themes are used during the weekly scripture readings for the next four Sundays, with ideas like preparing, waiting, hope, staying awake and looking for a sign.  

Advent gives us the reminder to 'prepare' for Christmas, not the shopping or the catering plans, but rather on a deeper personal and spiritual level.  At Lumen Christi we try to be the 'Light of Christ' for others so we need to be prepared to be the Jesus-character for others while also appreciating opportunities when others are being Christ-like for us.

Another simple way of embracing Advent is to go a little deeper with Kris Kingle.  Plenty of workplaces, friendship groups or families might randomly select a person to buy a gift for, but maybe think about going a step further than a Secret Santa gift and spend Advent making deliberate decision to make the person's life easier or joyful.  Another idea as a family is to consider how you could reach out to someone in need, or an organisation that is involved with social justice initiatives.  The simple act of dropping in an handwritten Christmas card to a neighbour could have such a beautiful impact on someone.

Take some time to watch this short Youtube clip: