What penance are you doing as a family this Advent?
Jonathan Sullivan posted that it’s never more obvious how “out of step” the Church is with secular culture than at Christmas time (in secular terms, the make-believe season from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day created by marketers). He wrote, “While the wider culture seeks to rush us towards Christmas…the Church asks us to slow down and wait.” So true!
Penance Parties
Unknown to many, Advent is a penitential season (another way we’re out of step with the December Christmas partying culture). Now there’s the custom that Advent penance is different from what’s done in Lent. You’re supposed to “add” at Advent and “lessen” at Lent. In keeping with this, Ileen Grebner, a friend of mine from the Peoria area, sent me this list of charitable activities she called an “Advent Sharing List.” I like this list because it requires you to dig a little while remaining in the spirit of Christmas giving. I think these would make great family Advent penances.
I almost hesitate to post this list though because then I’ll have to do some. But hey, penance is the reason for the season (of Advent that is).
An Advent Sharing List for Families
- Look through your clothes for things in good shape that you will never wear again. Bundle them for delivery to a thrift store or shelter.
- Buy a gift you would personally like to have. Wrap it for distribution to someone your age at a local shelter.
- As a family go without between meal snacks or even fast from a meal. Contribute the money saved to a local soup kitchen or food pantry.
- Buy a set of gloves and hats, then give them away to a family in need.
- Take time today to sit and pray. Think about what you are thankful for and what your hopes are for the coming year.
- Offer a prayer of thanks for someone who went out of their way today to make your day better.
- Do something good today for someone who will never know you did it or be able to do something for you in return.
- Call or write a friend to thank them for being a good listener and faithful friend.
- Make an ornament for your family Christmas tree.
- Think of a no-cost, “invisible” present (story, joke, favor, hug) you can give to a family member or a friend and share it today.
What does your family do for Advent penance? Can you think of any other sharing ideas to add to this list?
Great ideas, Marc! In past years, our family has visited the elderly at the local seniors’ home during Advent (and we hope to do it again this year). Other unique ways to “give” at Advent include Christmas caroling at either hospitals or seniors’ homes, giving away Christmas baskets to families in need (several families can get together to buy a turkey, all the fixings and small toys), baking and giving away Christmas treats. Anything you do with love for another person is a great way to give.
Thanks Ellen. I like your ideas as well. I think you’re right, anything you can do with love for others is a great way to give. Thanks for the comments!
I’m reminded that the Orthodox observe a 40-day Nativity Fast.
Wow, really? That’s interesting. People tell me there used to be a fast during Advent in the Latin Church as well. Is that right?
What a great post! My take on Advent is that it is a penitential season and so rightly has the same components (prayer, giving, fasting) as any other, just with a different emphasis than Lent. Would you disagree, or just suggest that even the character of our fasting during Advent is one of “adding” penance to our lives? nnThis season I was convicted by the bishops words that our Advent penance will rightly proceed from correct participation in liturgy. That was a problem for me since I had only really only thought about the self-denial part of the season. Oops! nnSo I have tried to redirect my focus (though I’m not using it as an excuse to forgo previously planned fasting and giving) and add in vespers in community, extra services, and prayers with the Advent wreath. Please don’t ask how the last one is going. 😉
I kind of think you’re right. Advent probably should have the same components of prayer, fasting and giving because those are the chief penitential practices of the Church. They just have a different flair during this time. I think fasting should always be a component of a penitential season and I think, until recently, it was emphasized during Advent as well. Probably never as much as in Lent though, wouldn’t you think? nnInteresting idea about focusing on liturgical practices. That would definitely fall into the adding idea and the prayer part. Funny, the Advent wreath prayers are the only ones I’m able to get to this year. 😉
This isn’t penitential…more like spending more time on God: our parish has Vespers every Sunday during Lent and Advent.
Isn’t spending time with God a penitential practice? Prayer and almsgiving are two of the chief penitential practices in the Church. These are penitential in those terms. nnI just thought they were more appropriate forms in light of the custom of giving Advent penances a different flavor as opposed to more Lenten penances like stricter fasting, mortification of vices and prayers centered around the passion. nnI agree, in the common usage we think of penitential things more like the latter, things that involve mortifications, but I just think these are appropriate, more joyful penitential practices that keep you in the Christmas spirit of giving.
“more joyful penitential practices”nnI like this and plan to use it in my class…my highest praise.
Wow, thanks! That is high praise!