Advent is a sacred season of anticipation and preparation, leading us toward the celebration of Christ’s birth. As we light each candle on the Advent wreath, we are invited to reflect on the deeper meanings of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love and how these virtues can be expressed through acts of giving and generosity.
Week 1: The Candle of Hope 🕯️
Hope is the light that pierces the darkness. It reminds us that no matter how uncertain the world may feel, Christ is coming and with Him, the promise of renewal.
Creative Ways to Give with Hope: Utilize Forms Feature
- Create Prayer Cards: Create handmade cards with prayers and messages of hope. Deliver them to hospitals, nursing homes, or parishioners who are homebound.
- Hope Tree: Set up a “Hope Tree” in your parish where congregants can hang written prayers or intentions. Encourage others to take one and pray for that person throughout Advent.
- Example Idea-- (Are you traveling or not in town this holiday season? Fill out this Hope Tree form and our admins will create a Hope Tree Card on your behalf.
- Would you also like to donate to our community? Enter a gift amount under your prayer request—make this optional, give your parishioner the option to donate this holiday season monetarily.)
Week 2: The Candle of Peace 🕯️
Peace is not just the absence of conflict it’s the presence of Christ in our hearts and communities. Advent invites us to be peace makers.
Creative Ways to Give with Peace: Forms Sign Up Slots
- Peace Packs: Assemble care packages with essentials (toiletries, socks, snacks) and distribute them to the homeless or shelters with a message of peace.
- Silent Night Vigil: Plug Families- Create a Work Group within Families to see who is coming for Candlelight Vigil/Create a form for attendees and funding. Organize a candlelight vigil or silent prayer walk to promote peace in your community, especially in areas affected by violence or unrest.
Week 3: The Candle of Joy 🕯️
This pink candle marks a shift from solemnity to celebration. Joy is a gift that multiplies when shared.
Creative Ways to Give with Joy: Families (Work Groups)
- Secret Angel Program: Create Kindness Cards- Assist someone new to accompany them, assistance, questions. Provide 1 challenge per card of how they can be a Secret Angel this holiday season. Encourage parishioners to anonymously perform acts of kindness for one another throughout Advent. [Create card example via Canva]
- Joyful Caroling: Create Work Group for Volunteer Sign Ups Create Form for Sign Ups- Visit neighborhoods, nursing homes, or hospitals to sing carols and bring cheer.
Week 4: The Candle of Love 🕯️
Love is the heart of Advent. It’s the reason Christ came to show us the depth of God’s love.
Creative Ways to Give with Love: PowerPoint Slide with Info/ Day of- Advent Blessings Graphic
- Blessing Night: Encourage families or friends to gather one evening to bless each other with affirmations, prayers, and shared memories.
Day of Christmas Last Candle: The Christ Candle🕯️
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day
This moment is a culmination of our Advent journey, inviting us to reflect on how these virtues have shaped our hearts and actions.
Creative Ways to Give with Christ’s Light:
- Light the World Challenge: Invite parishioners to commit to one act of kindness each week in the new year, inspired by the light of Christ. Create a shared calendar or digital board where people can post their experiences and encourage others.
- Christ Candle Prayer Cards: Distribute cards with prayers for guidance, healing, and hope. Encourage recipients to pass them on, spreading the light of Christ throughout the community.
As our Advent journey draws to a close, we find ourselves gathered around the Christ Candle, the radiant symbol of Christ’s presence among us. Each candle we lit Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love has illuminated not only our path to Christmas but also the ways we can bring light to others through generosity and compassion. The Christ Candle reminds us that the spirit of Advent is not confined to a single season; it is a call to carry these virtues into every day, letting them shape our actions and relationships.
Let us move forward inspired by the stories, prayers, and acts of kindness we’ve shared. Whether through a simple gesture, a heartfelt blessing, or a commitment to serve, we have the opportunity to let Christ’s light shine in our communities and beyond. May the hope, peace, joy, and love we’ve kindled this Advent continue to guide us and may the light of the Christ Candle be a beacon for all we do this Christmas and throughout the year.
As you celebrate Christmas and light the Christ Candle, challenge yourself to carry its light into the days ahead. Choose one act of kindness, one moment of generosity, or one opportunity to share hope with someone in need. Invite your family, friends, or parish to join you—together, let’s make the spirit of Advent a living reality, shining brightly in our world long after the season ends.