As we walk toward Christmas, may we try to view this season as one of opportunity rather than obligation, being open to the journey and to the ways we can give and receive.

Here are 13 traditions and devotions that can make our Advent more meaningful and fruitful.

In a beautiful way, the church’s law in this area echoes the words of Jesus himself: “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt 19:14).

Christmas is coming, and ads are everywhere. My social media feed is full of gift suggestions that make me wonder who they think I’m buying gifts for this year.

During Advent, let us allow the Lord to break through barriers that prevent us from receiving and giving love. This can happen when we make an unburdening confession of our sins.

Father R. Aaron Wessman, the first vicar general and director of formation for the Glenmary Home Missioners, spoke with OSV News’ Charlie Camosy about the history and mission of the organization as well as its recent work in assisting victims of Hurricane Helene.

Pray today and this week about how God is calling you to witness to Advent, to observe Advent, to pray this Advent. Seriously. For without Advent, it is impossible to truly understand Christmas. 

It’s important to share in a spirit of generosity during the Christmas season. It’s just that we need to re-examine what it means to be truly generous.

As our Catholic funeral liturgy reminds us, for God’s faithful “life is changed, not ended” with bodily death; and by analogy we can also conclude that although the love of spouses may be changed into something different from specifically married love, this does not mean that this love no longer exists.

I like to think that God is waiting, trusting, walking with us, even when we feel we aren’t doing anything significant for the world.