This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and will end on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Before Advent begins, take some time to create a plan that will prepare your heart to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Advent is a season inviting us to step away from the hectic pace of the world around us, calling us to slow down and contemplate the profound Mystery of the Incarnation. As the start of a new liturgical year, Advent builds week by week toward the joy of Christmas, offering a fresh beginning to renew our faith, hope, love, and joy.
Without mindful preparation, these four weeks can pass by in a blur. Now is the time to consider how you’ll fully enter into this beautiful season of expectation. Explore these Catholic resources to support your Advent journey toward spiritual renewal. Start with just one or two practices, allowing yourself space to focus, grow, and truly savor this beautiful time of year.
Daily Advent Reflection Apps And Videos
Hallow #Pray25: The Hallow app will guide you in praying alongside God’s chosen people, tracing the story through all of Scripture: from the Garden of Eden to the manger in Bethlehem where Christ was born.
Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz is a daily prayer journal designed to help you slow down for 10 or 15 minutes a day during the Advent season. With Fr. Mike’s guidance, you’ll prepare your heart to meet Christ in the manger.
When we embrace the process as the path, we begin to see God’s goodness unfold in beautiful ways in our lives, and we recognize that his presence in the present moment is where he wants to meet us, preparing us for what comes next and inviting us to encounter him now.
How to Advent, a new four-episode video series, explores the beauty and meaning of Advent traditions in an engaging and meaningful way—helping viewers prepare their hearts for our Lord’s birth. The series is now available on Formed, the Augustine Institute’s streaming platform for faith formation. Advent sometimes just feels like that time that is sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas – life is hectic with Christmas shopping, parties, the school year ending, and so much more. But as Catholics – we really ought to enter into this season of joyful anticipation with purpose and intention! In How to Advent, we will discover the rich traditions that mark this season and how they aid us in preparing our hearts for the birth of the child Jesus at Christmas. Guided by priests, religious, professors, and a charismatic host, you will gain practical tips and spiritual reflection on the practices of the Advent calendar, Advent wreath, Jesse tree, and nativity scene.
For Kids: Holy Heroes Advent Adventure
Advent Resources For Kids
Reusable Sticker Advent Calendar | Shining Light Dolls
My MagnifiKid – Daily Advent Prayers
Names of Jesus Advent Chain (free)
Advent Books To Read
House of Gold: A Journey into Advent | Laura Phelps , Caitlin Bean
House of Gold: A Journey into Advent invites you to reflect on five beautiful Marian titles, each revealing the Blessed Mother’s sacred role in drawing us closer to Jesus and making His love known. Each week, we will contemplate Mary as the first tabernacle and the first monstrance—the one who carried Christ and continues to lead us to Him.
Walking with Purpose is pleased to offer this unique Advent devotional. Unlike most Advent devotionals, House of Gold does not end on Christmas Day. It carries you through the Octave of Christmas, concluding on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. You will be nourished in both the anticipation of His coming and the joy of His arrival.
Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz
Waiting Well: Advent with Fr. Mike Schmitz is a daily prayer journal designed to help you slow down for 10 or 15 minutes a day during the Advent season. With Fr. Mike’s guidance, you’ll prepare your heart to meet Christ in the manger.
When we embrace the process as the path, we begin to see God’s goodness unfold in beautiful ways in our lives, and we recognize that his presence in the present moment is where he wants to meet us, preparing us for what comes next and inviting us to encounter him now.
Advent and Christmas with the Church Fathers
Sanctify your time by meditating on the wisdom of the Church Fathers with Advent and Christmas with the Church Fathers: A Seven-Week Retreat on the Mystery and the Meaning of the Incarnation, a timeless guide to preparing your heart for the coming of Christ. This unique devotional pairs the ancient wisdom of the early Church with the liturgical rhythm of Advent and Christmas, offering profound insights into the incarnation and birth of Our Lord.
Through the writings of saints such as St. Augustine, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Athanasius, you will experience the wonder of Christ’s birth anew. The reflections in this retreat illuminate the deep theological Truths and spiritual significance of this holy season. Each week, you will be well-equipped to meditate on God’s Word and the Truths of the Faith, and to draw closer to the mystery of Emmanuel—God with us.
Whether for personal prayer or family devotions, this book invites you to journey through the Advent and Christmas season with the voices that shaped our Faith. Prepare your heart to experience the beauty of the season!
Oriens 2025: A Pilgrimage Through Advent and Christmas
ake a life-changing pilgrimage, beginning this Advent.
Oriens is a Latin word meaning “rising” and “dawn.” Your Oriens journey begins on the First Sunday of Advent and continues through Advent and the traditional Christmas season until the Feast of the Presentation on February 2. Each day, you’ll take a step closer to the dawn from on high.
Fr. Joel Sember is your leader on this pilgrimage, and he will help you understand what God is revealing to you through Scripture and prayer. You’ll learn how to pray and reflect more deeply. Each day you’ll read a Scripture passage, receive Father Joel’s guidance on how to pray with that passage, and find questions for reflection and journaling.
Behold: A Guided Advent Journal for Prayer and Meditation | Sr. Miriam James Heidland SOLT
In this beautiful guided journal for prayer and meditation, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT—author of the bestselling book Restore—will walk with you as you explore familial wounds with the help of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Advent Books For Teens
Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens | Katie Prejean McGrady
Following the success of their bestselling devotional Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, youth ministry experts Katie Prejean McGrady and Tommy McGrady offer devotions that help teens make sense of the things that matter most in their lives such as relationships, their future, and coping with stress.
Realistic and easy to use, each daily devotion starts with a brief Bible quote that connects with a topic important to teens such as insecurity, pressure, trust, fitting in, finding hope, and choosing joy. A brief reflection helps teens consider the day’s topic through their faith.
Advent Books For Kids
Catholic Sprouts Kids: Home Advent & Christmas Challenge- DIGITAL COPY
Finally! All the Catholic Advent-and-Christmas Traditions in One Place!
Ever wondered when you should put up your Christmas tree, how to make lighting the Advent candles more meaningful, what you could do to mark the feast of St. Lucy or St. Nicholas, or how many gifts you should give your children? Catholic Sprouts Kids: HOME Advent and Christmas Challenge
spells out exactly what Catholics do, day-by-day, throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.
All about Advent & Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children | Katie Bogner
All about Advent & Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope & Wonder with Children is a resource unlike any other. Explore the rich traditions surrounding Christ’s birth as you journey through Scripture to understand the story of salvation and discover the meaning behind many of our celebrations during Advent and Christmas. Highlighting treasured customs from throughout Church history, All about Advent & Christmas features the stories of saints we celebrate throughout December and explains numerous other aspects of Catholic liturgy and teaching. With detailed illustrations to make the liturgical seasons come alive, All about Advent & Christmas will guide readers of all ages closer to the Savior whose birth we look to with joy.
The Sparrow Who Fell to the Ground | Anthony DeStefano
This unforgettable, heartwarming adventure from bestselling author Anthony DeStefano features a tiny sparrow born in the “Valley of Tears” — a place where light and darkness, joy and hardship exist side by side. Afraid to fly because of his damaged wing, he watches the world from below, longing for the sky but fearing the inevitable fall. Yet one day, despite his fears, he spreads his wings and takes flight — setting off on a journey that will change him forever.
The Wise Men Who Found Christmas | Raymond Arroyo
In this thrilling, visual adventure capturing the wonder of the Christmas season, New York Times bestselling author Raymond Arroyo shares the true, hidden story of the mysterious Magi, who risked everything to discover the truth. Based on new historical evidence, The Wise Men Who Found Christmas is the miraculous, untold tale of three seekers who followed a star and found themselves in the middle of the greatest story ever told. Stunningly illustrated by Diane Le Feyer, this enchanting family keepsake is sure to become part of your Christmas tradition – and a reminder that chasing truth is often the greatest adventure of all.
Advent Bible Study
Catholic Advent Traditions
St. Andrew’s Novena (Start November 30!)
Advent Calendar and HERE
Advent Acts Of Kindness
Engaging in acts of service and kindness during the Advent season can bring the joy of Christ to both the giver and the recipient. Here are some ideas for Advent acts of service:
- Donate to a Food Bank: Collect non-perishable food items and donate them to a local food bank to help those in need during the holiday season.
- Write Letters to Service Members: Show appreciation for the men and women in the military by writing heartfelt letters expressing gratitude for their service. Many organizations can help you send these letters to deployed troops.
- Visit a Nursing Home: Spend time with residents of a nursing home. You can sing Christmas Carols, play games, or simply engage in conversations to bring joy to those who may be lonely during the holidays.
- Adopt a Family: Connect with local charities that facilitate “adopting” a family in need. Provide them with gifts, groceries, and other essentials to make their holiday season brighter.
- Create Care Packages for the Homeless: Assemble care packages containing essentials like socks, toiletries, and non-perishable snacks. Distribute these packages to homeless individuals in your community.
- Organize a Toy Drive: Collect toys and gifts for children in need. Many communities have programs that distribute these gifts to families who may struggle to provide presents for their kids.
- Offer Free Services: If you have a skill or talent, offer it as a free service to others. This could include babysitting, tutoring, pet sitting, or even offering to help with household chores for those who may need assistance.
- Bake and Share Treats: Bake cookies, cakes, or other treats and share them with neighbors, friends, or co-workers. Include a kind note to spread holiday cheer.
- Create an Advent Calendar of Kindness: Instead of a traditional Advent calendar with chocolates or toys, create one focused on daily acts of kindness. Each day, do something nice for someone else, whether it’s a compliment, a small gift, or helping with a task.
- Give money: Support local or worldwide missions. Check out MISSIO!
- Decorate and clean: Volunteer to make your church for beautiful Christmas.
Movies To Watch During Advent
The Story of the Nativity: The Truth of Christmas
The story of the birth of Jesus is often misunderstood. But this fast-paced, thought-provoking look at the true story of the Nativity clears away widespread misunderstandings of Jesus’ origin. Join top scholars, inspirational speakers, and popular authors as they explain the story behind the story of the birth of Jesus.
Bo, a brave donkey, and all his new hilarious animal friends go on the adventure of their dreams filled with lots of laughter.
Based on the children’s book “Angela and the Baby Jesus” by Frank McCourt (Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Angela’s Ashes”), comes a funny, heart-warming, and poignant story from the Oscar nominated studio Brown Bag Films about the power of family and the innocent desire of a child to ensure everyone is safe, warm, and loved at Christmas time.
Movies not to watch: “Journey To Bethlehem” Find out why HERE.
Advent Prayer
All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.
Advent Prayer
Quotes To Contemplate
“Advent invites us to a commitment to vigilance, looking beyond ourselves, expanding our mind and heart in order to open ourselves up to the needs of people, of brothers and sisters, and to the desire for a new world.”
– Pope Francis
At this Christmas, when Christ Comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of advent by loving and serving the othes with God’s own love and concern.
—Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“If you want, the Virgin will come walking down the road pregnant with the Holy and say, “I need shelter for the night. Please take me inside your heart, my time is so close.” Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime intimacy, the divine, the Christ, taking birth forever, as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us is the midwife of God, each of us. Yes, there, under the dome of your being, does creation come into existence eternally, through your womb, dear pilgrim, the sacred womb of your soul, as God grasps our arms for help: for each of us is His beloved servant never far. If you want, the virgin will come walking down the street, pregnant with Light, and sing!”
— St. John of the Cross
“Open wide your door to the one who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of eternal light that illuminates all men.”
—St. Ambrose of Milan
