Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

How do you wait in a culture that is instant information? Every Man I talk with it seems tells me they don’t pray as often as they aught to.  If you are married, when it comes to our Faith we usually depend on our wives to set the tone.

Amidst the holiday noise and chaos from the commercial industries, the Advent season is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.  If you are a husband and father, your family looks toward you especially at times like this for spiritual leadership and direction.

We hear about providing for our families financially and in other ways but, rarely do we hear about, or focus, provision and protection as prayer.

“Silence is so lacking in this world which is often too noisy, which is not favorable to recollection and listening to the voice of God,” Pope Benedict XVI said. “In this time of preparation for Christmas, let us cultivate interior recollection so as to receive and keep Jesus in our lives.”

It’s not so much then about learning to pray to prepare for advent, but leading an example of silence that makes a positive and lasting impression on you and your family. Like the Nun’s used to tell me in 1st Grade ”God gave you two ears and one mouth, so that you listen more than talk”

Prepare your heart and minds for Christmas with daily resources, prayer and activities at usccb.org/advent.

What would it take for you to have the best Christmas of your life?

Learn about BEST ADVENT EVER from Dynamic Catholic.

Spend your time with Advent Gospel Reflections from Bishop Barron.

Advent prayers in the Amen app.

The Advent Workshop from the Catholic Culture website.

Advent provides a reason to try new habits. One we strongly suggest is the  “Family Prayer Before Meals” (PDF) by Bishop Joseph Perry.  Statistics tells us that when a family breaks bread and prays together at least 3 times per week, it makes a noticeable difference in your children’s stability and security as a family unit.

This Advent, GIVE yourself deliberate time of silence and resolute to bring yourself  – and your family – closer to Christ!