Advent season is very important to me specially in my spiritual life. The cold breeze reminds me about the ways of preparations I did in the past years. This year it is totally different because with my new employer, my day off is not always on a Sunday. I cannot regularly attend the face-to-face Sunday Holy Masses and other liturgical activities specially the Advent retreat. I attend my Mass through online. However, I make the preparations in my own little ways; to pray and communicate with God by reading the Bible, pray the rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy privately and peacefully. I can also do some good deeds, no matter how simple, to those in need, bringing them love, peace, joy and hope. I will also go to confesssion. — Elvira Baladia
During my childhood, I always look forward to Christmas time, because of the festivities it brings. Now that I have grown up, and studying in a Catholic school, I realise the true meaning of it. As Advent is almost around the corner, I strive to grow more in faith with God, remembering in mind why God gave us his only begotten son Jesus Christ, whose nativity we celebrate every Christmas. — Tintin Carmelo
Advent literally means “coming” or “arrival”. As we enter the Advent Season, we fully open our minds, hearts and souls in preparation for the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is the time where we must reflect on our lives by refraining ourselves from using too much gadgets and focus more on our prayerhood, repentance and love not only for ourselves and neighbours, but most especially to the Lord himself. — Vina Cas
Advent is a season in Church calendar, leading up to Christmas. Anticipating and celebrating Jesus’ first coming. It is important to me, because it challenges me to focus on Jesus, on the weeks leading to his birthday. It is also a time of renewing my faith together with my family, through prayers and reflections, music meditation and good deeds. I prepare myself for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to ask forgiveness and how to forgive. I need to do things with humility and perseverance, as Mother Mary showed us that in spite of her difficulties, she conquered all hardships and obstacles along her way. — Mary Ann San Juan
Advent is a period for a joyful expectation. It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ’s first coming to us is remembered. It is also important for us to remember it as a celebration which we look forward to the second coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ. I will go to confession, attend Mass more often if possible, and pray the rosary every day. I will also read passages from the Bible or spend more time in personal prayers, listening to God and do good deeds to others. — Nelia Leonardo
Advent Season is known to be a season of reflection and preparation. For the past few years, I also practiced going through confession for the forgiveness of sins and preparing my heart and mind in this season for the Saviour’s birth. It should be celebrated with all delight with family and friends, taking time of solace and remembrance and counting days to Christmas where we prepare our homes, put some decors, Christmas lights and Christmas trees in preparation for the Christmas season. — Joem Lim
Advent is a time of waiting. A season that include the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, a time of expectancy and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. This is important to me in a way that this is the best time to focus on what really matters and preparing my heart and mind to remember the birth of Christ. A time of giving and forgiving. As Advent means “coming” or “arrival” my best way of preparation spiritually is through the Mass readings for four weeks.
I used to reflect on it, by reading and meditating and that helps me focus on Jesus. Attending Christmas novena as one of our tradition in the Philippines. It is a blessing to have it in our parish in Hong Kong. I also attend Advent recollection and going to confession. The beauty of Advent is that it is a season of preparation by reflecting on how God loved us by giving his only Son to redeem us.
— Marcelina Refugio
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
Advent should not be overshadowed by lavish Christmas decorations and parties, but rather we should remember the real reason for this season. Therefore it is important for us to put Jesus Christ as the centre of our celebration. Jesus’ incarnation has brought us hope, peace, joy and love which is being symbolised by the four candles being lighted one at a time on Advent Sundays. As a preparation, self reflection and prayers are very important.
— Dhang Tolentino
