Peace on Earth Starts with Your Family - Advent Reflections

"Peace on Earth" is what Jesus promises to bring us at Christmastime. If you have a family, though, the weeks leading up to December 25 can feel anything but peaceful. Besides the shopping, decorating, visiting, cooking, and other preparations we make during Advent, there is the world at large - which can feel at odds with a message of peace. News of violence, political division, conflict, and poverty fill our television screens and social media accounts. What kind of peace can Jesus bring to a world like ours?

Perhaps precisely the kind we need. 

Our Christmas preparations will probably not all go as planned. There might be chores left undone, packages delayed in the mail, and cookies that come out burned on the bottom and raw in the middle. But Jesus promises us peace in our imperfection. We are unlikely to solve the political and social ills of the world this Advent season, either. There will continue to be war, injustice, and suffering in the world. But Jesus promises us peace in our unrest. 

While we may never achieve perfect peace on this side of Heaven, this Advent, we can work to bring the peace of Jesus to our broken world, a little bit at a time, beginning in our own homes and families.  

But where to begin? I suggest you begin with a few small steps, right where you are. One way to keep it simple is to focus on some of the themes of Advent and choose one commitment your family can make in each of those categories. Three themes my family likes to focus on during Advent are Prayer, Quiet, and Giving. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Prayer 

Adding prayer or new kinds of prayer to your family’s routine is a beautiful way to set apart the days of Advent and grow closer to Jesus during this time of waiting.  

Advent Wreath: Do you have an advent wreath? Lighting the candles and saying a prayer of thanksgiving before meals and other family gatherings is a small but simple way to add prayer to your days. 

Scripture: How can you add more Scripture to your daily routine? You might consider praying the daily Psalm together before bedtime, or choose a few short, favorite passages from the story of Jesus’ birth and work on memorizing them before Christmas.  

Hymns: A beautiful way to add more prayer to your days is through the gift of music. Don’t rush into Christmas carols! Instead, consider playing some Advent-themed music while you drive or work together at home. Catholic Mom has a free, prayerful Advent playlist that is sure to inspire you.  

Quiet 

Our busy days are so filled with noise and distraction! How might Jesus be inviting you and your family to savor silence as you with joyful anticipation? 

Disconnect: Consider leaving the radio off while driving in the car, or having “technology-free” times of the day or week where everyone puts away their phones and other devices to engage in quiet activities. 

Adoration: Does your parish offer Eucharistic Adoration? You might sign up for a Holy Hour as a family and then enjoy the extra quiet time in prayer. If you can’t get to Adoration, consider making a short stop at a church the next time you are out running errands. Jesus is there, waiting for you! 

Get outdoors: Going outside is a quick and simple way to leave chores, devices, and other distractions behind. Bundle up and take a walk outdoors to enjoy nature or your neighbor's Christmas lights.  

Giving 

As much as it can feel joyful and celebratory, Advent is actually a penitential season where we are meant to be preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus, Our Savior. What are some small ways you can sacrifice as part of your family’s preparation? 

Donate: There are so many worthy organizations to donate to this time of year. Perhaps your family could forgo a regular movie night or other treat and then donate the money you save to a food pantry or other charity of your choice. 

Surprise someone: In true Saint Nicholas style, think of a way your family can anonymously give someone a surprise blessing. It might be cookies left on a neighbor’s porch or a surprise gift left for a teacher or priest. Young children especially will enjoy being part of making a secret plan. 

Secret Santa: Secret Santas can be a fun way to celebrate the Advent season in your family. Draw names of other family members and then keep it a secret as you look for ways to do secret favors for your person throughout Advent, leaving them small gifts or doing them small favors. 

I pray that this Advent, you and your family will grow in love for one another and readiness to bring more peace to the world. Together, let’s look to Jesus in the manger, and open our hearts to receive the peace and joy that can only come from Him. 

How about you? In what small ways will your family be observing the season of Advent this year?