First Sunday of Advent (Year A)
 November 27th, 2022

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 
Psalm #122 R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord
Second Reading:  Romans 13:11-14
Gospel Acclamation Verse: Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.
Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
Theme: Be prepared and have hope

Commentary by Jane Prini  

Do you know someone who is going to have a baby soon? They have a general idea of when the baby is expected to be born, but no one can say the exact day or hour. Do you see that mother living life as usual or is she getting ready for that baby? Maybe she is preparing a room, clothes, crib, car seat and such for when her baby is born. She has many dreams for that little one and great hope for a good future. She can choose not to prepare, yet her preparations will make all the difference once her little one is born.

All three of today’s readings remind us that we need to be prepared too. Isaiah was preparing and hoping for the birth of the child Jesus, a saviour. Both Paul and Matthew, remind us that Jesus will return for us and we need to be ready because we do not know when that will be. We have a choice to not get caught off guard, like the three examples Jesus gives in Matthew’s gospel. Jesus wants us to wake up and not go through our life unprepared for his return. He invites us to wake up to all the moments in our day when God is with us, protecting and loving us. He invites us to be grateful and to show that gratitude by paying attention to our loved ones and those in need around us. 

As we begin a new liturgical year and the first week of Advent we can choose to get prepared. The word Advent is from the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming” or “arriving”. It is a time to prepare for celebrating Jesus’ birthday at Christmas, to prepare our hearts for noticing all the times during the day when God is with us, and a time to reflect on what we need to do to be ready for the Second Coming of Christ. It is a time of preparation and of hope. It is a good time to change our daily routine just a little so we spend a bit more time in prayer, in listening to Jesus, and in being of help to others who might be in need around us.

On the following page are a few different family activities to help you prepare. There are so many more online as well. You are invited to choose how you and your family will become prepared this Advent to make this the best Christmas ever. 

Prayer for Families: Heavenly Father, we love this season of the year. We love the preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Help us also remember that he is coming again and that you have told us to be prepared. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

CLICK, READ MORE FOR FAMILY RESOURCES, Colouring Page, Cross Word Puzzle and Word Search
 

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