The Advent season is a period of prayer in preparation for Christmas. It is a time to meditate on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are the five things that can help inflame our hearts as we make our spiritual journey this season.

1. Confession

In the sacrament of confession, we receive pardon from God for our sins. For people who committed grave sins knowingly and willingly, their souls are in danger of losing eternal life in heaven. Even if we are not in the state of mortal sin, this sacrament will strengthen us to overcome our faults and purify our hearts from its impurities and attachments. This Advent season is an opportunity to examine our conscience and go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. With this in mind, we also honor that the purpose of Christ’s coming is our salvation.

2. Prayer

Prayer is one of the best ways to prepare for Christmas. Through it, we could feel God’s presence within our hearts even more. Think and ask God how can you pray more this Advent season. There are many other forms of prayer such as Bible reflection, examination of conscience, Angelus, etc. that we could do without neglecting the duties of the state of life we are in.

We could also choose to strengthen our Marian devotion by praying the rosary where we meditate on the mysteries of the life of Christ. It is also a good time to begin praying to Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse, who became the nourishing father of our Lord Jesus. All of these prayers and devotions will lead us to Christ, the Incarnate Word.

3. Holy Mass

Our Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem. and the word “Bethlehem” means “House of Bread.” As Catholics, we should not neglect that the Church is also the “House of Bread.” At every Mass, Jesus descends from heaven and chooses to be with us in the Sacrament of the Eucharist under the appearance of bread and wine.

May we always be devoted in the Holy Mass as we receive Jesus Himself in the sacrament. It is the meeting place of heaven and earth where Jesus unites with us. Let us bring our intentions to the Father and to Christ who gives Himself completely to us.

4. Holy Gifts

Since we are celebrating the birth of Christ, this is also a good opportunity to love Him by giving religious gifts to people, especially children. These gifts will help them strengthen their faith. For example, we can give the rosaries and miraculous medals as gifts. Other people may like to have the Bible and other spiritual books.

Children may also receive dolls that represent Catholic saints. Our simple action of gift-giving may have a profound effect on those who will receive it because these gifts are God’s instruments for bringing souls closer to Him.

5. Charity Works

We often prepare food and money as a contribution to parties. How about those that we could give to the poor? Our Lord Jesus reminds us in the parable, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me (Matthew 25:40).’ Instead of buying extravagant things, we could consider using that money to buy meals or give alms to the poor that we see around us. Even if some of us can only provide a small amount due to one’s financial situation, what is important is the love behind our actions.

The Advent season is an invitation for us to remember the presence of God. Our devotion will truly prepare our hearts for the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. May God grant us a blessed Advent this year and every year!