Choose one of the following activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:

• Make and bless an Advent wreath for your home. Recall that the circle reminds us of God’s eternal faithfulness. The four candles represent the four Sundays in Advent. The candles symbolize Jesus who is the Light of the world. During Advent, focus your daily prayers around the Advent wreath.
• Have a discussion about how your family prepares for special days and events. Remind family members that this special time of preparation for Christmas is called Advent. Talk about what each family member can do to prepare his or her heart for Jesus’ coming.
• Together as a family do a Christmas craft or project that reflects the message of Christ’s hope and promise. For example, make homemade Christmas cards or Christmas tree ornaments.
• Have a family meeting at which all members brainstorm ideas as to how they can prepare for the coming of Christ during Advent. Write the ideas on slips of paper and put the slips in a hat. Each person is to pick one and to carry that idea out for the week. At the end of the week, have each person share what they chose and how they carried it out.