Teresa Hartnett, Director of Family Ministry for the Diocese of Hamilton, provides Family, Parenting and Marriage tips. 

Family Tip for December

According to some customs, Advent is a time to reflect on the upcoming celebration of Christmas by lighting the candles of the Advent wreath and to focus each week on a different aspect of the season: hope, peace, joy and love.

As a family, take some time after the events of Christmas (Mass, gift-giving, extended family gatherings and a big meal) to quietly reflect on these precious concepts in your own lives.

• Talk about the hope that our faith provides us in the everyday trials of life
• discuss what it means to have true inner peace and our call as Catholics to reconcile our differences with those closest to us
• express your joy in being part of your immediate family and tell each person what they mean to you, then remind each other of the joy that comes from being part of God’s family
• speak to each other of God’s deep love for us, exemplified by sending his Son to die for our sins and to unite us with him in eternity, then express how you show love each day to those in your family.