Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: Rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.

~from Philippians 4, third Sunday of Advent, December 15

In her opening reflection in this year’s Advent booklet, Seeking Wisdom’s Light, Leslye Colvin writes: “Ponder the invitation to pause, prepare and wait. How do you understand the meaning of the terms? Do you see them as three separate actions? Is it possible that they are woven together? The strength of this braid is exercised  at our core when we face uncertainty and unknowing. … Have you taken a walk and been surprised to notice new life from what  appeared to be a dead stump? Have you observed a chrysalis hanging under a leaf, or the tiny egg-filled nest of a hummingbird? Do you remember the details of that unexpected moment? Was there a sense of curiosity, hope, or awe? How many others passed the same place without noticing the new life?

We often encounter anew the compassion and mercy of the Most High God through our unique lived experiences and personal observations. With this in mind, can we ponder our faith journey this Advent? ...”

We hope that Leslye’s reflections help you as you spend quiet time over the next few weeks preparing for the Incarnation, for the arrival of Christ among us. We hope they they give comfort and guidance, and that they help deepen the sense of community you feel with your fellow Pax Christi members.

REFLECTIONS FOR SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAYS

Below you’ll find reflections selected from this year’s Advent-Christmas reflection booklet as well as others from a variety of authors of past reflection booklets. Reflections for each Sunday will be posted several days in advance, with Holy Days and other days of observance throughout Advent and Christmas posted regularly as well. We’ll also be sending our weekly Advent emails directly to your inbox if you’re subscribed to our listserv. (Click here to sign up if you are not already subscribed.) 

PRAY-STUDY-ACT DURING ADVENT

Each week, we’ll be crafting a special Pray-Study-Act e-bulletin (PSA) with resources for us all to use and to act on in common. 

COMMUNITY ADVENT GATHERINGS (VIRTUAL)

  • Pax Christi USA weekly Advent prayer service, Mondays, 8:30-9 PM ET, Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23: Join with members of the Pax Christi USA family from around the country for a short prayer service with readings from our Advent-Christmas reflection booklet, the lighting of the Advent candles, and more. Click here to register and to find each week’s program.
  • PAX Mass for December, Thursday, December 19 at 8 PM ET, with celebrant Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv. Click here to register, if you have not already. (If you previously registered for PAX Masses in 2024, your registration is saved.)

ADVENT-CHRISTMAS GIVING

Our Advent-Christmas appeal is our end-of-the-year appeal, and we are delighted to have a special message from Archbishop John Wester. We appreciate any extra support you can give as our movement grows! If you have the means, we hope you’ll click here and make a special gift to the Advent-Christmas appeal.

To read the entire appeal letter from Archbishop Wester, click here!. And thank you!

PAX CHRISTI YOUNG ADULT CAUCUS ADVENT RETREAT

woman sitting on wooden planks

On Saturday, December 14, the Pax Christi Young Adult Caucus held its mini-Advent retreat online for peacemakers in the 20s and 30s on the theme, “Solitude to Solidarity: How contemplative work can make us better peace-builders.”

The retreat included three short presentations from different PCYAC members, some time for reflection and journaling, as well as opportunities for small group engagement.

MORE ADVENT RESOURCES… to be updated.

Prayer
  • The Invitations of Advent 2024: An Advent Retreat, with Leslye Colvin, offered by Cranaleith Spiritual Center. Join Leslye online for three Tuesdays in Advent – Dec. 3, 10, and 17, 6:30-8:30 PM Eastern. Register for one, two, or all three sessions. Sessions are $25 each or $60 for all three; students’ rate is $12/session or $30 for the series. Scholarships available!
Study
Action