A Poetic Round Up of Tried-and-True Advent Ideas from 12+ Families

Happy Christ the King day!  As we celebrate our Servant King, I am reminded that the beginning of Advent is but one week away.  If you're still deciding how you'll approach life and learning during this beautiful liturgical season, you are not alone.  Many other folks are, too, including me!  And, if past years are anything to go by, some of us may be preparing to prepare right up until Advent begins next Sunday, or even a bit beyond that.

To help us all, I thought I would share a poetic Advent season round-up.

Please enjoy this musing I wrote earlier today, which I've since linked to oodles of Advent ideas and inspiration from different Catholic bloggers.  Perhaps the Spirit will use a phrase from the poem or a post linked to it, to speak to you about how you might begin your Advent journey this year.

'Twas a week before Advent

and across blogosphere

Mamas were asking:

What are you doing this year?
To keep this liturgical season

in its rightful place, 
which Advent traditions

will you and yours embrace?

What might help us maintain

joyful anticipation

while 'Christmas is here!' madness

seems to sweep across the nation?
How might we kick off 
Advent observances this year

helping each member of our families
to await and prepare?

How best can we celebrate Jesus' coming-
present, future, and past?

What will help us create meaningful

memories that will last?

How do we find balance

in the sometimes chaos of this season,

making time for quiet and prayer,

remembering its reason?
How might we model after our Lord -
our wonderful servant king,
prioritizing service to others, 

with all the blessings that brings?
Might we help children move from "the gimmes"
to simple gratitude,
modeling thankfulness, joy, and humility
in our own attitudes?
Might we enjoy activities
that focus on time spent together?
Might we add new tweaks
to past traditions that we treasure?
 Might we mark the days with Scripture
that points to our Lord,
as we hang up ornaments
and spend time reading the Word?
Might we each unplug and make time
to let the Spirit's voice come through?

...Yes, the questions are a-flying,

and some answers are, too.

Helpful inspirations, tips, and

cautionary tales...

Picture perfect ideas,

and ones that are more real.

Wisdom and reflections...
prayers, ponderings and practical advice

for managing daily life

and preparing for heavenly paradise.

In heads, hearts, and homes,

no matter what else exists,

it seems one main idea,

thankfully, persists:

Advent is nearly upon us,

and that means it is time

to prepare to celebrate our Lord,

so merciful and sublime!

However we do that,

may our efforts be blessed

and may our response to God's will

ring out with a resounding, "YES!"

Thank you to the following folks for ideas shared through the links above:

• Aleesa at Life, Love, & Sacred Art
• Amy at Prayer, Wine, Chocolate
• Anni at Everyday Ediths
• Debbie at True to the Power of You
• Dianne at The Kennedy Adventures
• Ginny at Not So Formulaic
• Hilary at Messy Buns & Latin Chant
• Jamie at Lord, Make Me a Saint
• Lena at Joyfilled Family
  Leslie at Life in Every Limb
• Monica at Equipping Catholic Families
• Sara at To Jesus, Sincerely
• Suzanne at Teaching from a Tackle Box
• Trinity Communications at Catholic Culture

May you have a blessed and beautiful Advent!