Dear Saint Augustine Family,
One of the greatest parts of the Christmas season is the opportunity to be surrounded by our family and loved ones. It’s easy to grow distant throughout the year, so it is such a blessing to have time together to celebrate during the holidays.
As we prepare for Christmas this Advent season, let us be intentional about loving and appreciating those closest to us. Sometimes it is our family that is most difficult for us to be vulnerable with, reach out to, and evangelize.
The Lord showed us the beauty, dignity, and importance of the family when He entered into the world through the Holy Family at the first Christmas. With grateful hearts for the gift of our own families, let us strive to love them better this Advent season.
Here are a few ways you can extend generosity to your family this Advent. Pick one or two that you’d like to commit to this season!
- Tell your parents that you love them
- Invite a family member to come to church with you
- Pick up an extra chore to help out a family member
- Ask your spouse and children how you can better love them
- Tell a family member you will pray for them - then actually do it
- Reach out to a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Set aside time to do something your spouse or children love most
- Ask your children (especially the little ones) how you can pray for them
- Buy a family member a special treat - something simple like a coffee or their favorite pastry!
- Take a minute at a family meal to go around the table to say something you love about each member of your family
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do.”
What are some ways you can better express your love for your family? How can you grow deeper in your faith as a family? How can you reach out to those who might not be with family this Christmas?
