There is a lot to look forward to and enjoy during Advent: the decorations, the parties, the food, and most especially the time spent with family. To help center our faith in Jesus and the celebration of His birth, we recommend you spend some of that time in Advent family prayer. 

One of the most common times to pray as a family during Advent is when first lighting a candle on your Advent wreath. That is why we have collected these five Advent prayers for Catholic families. Each prayer reflects the theme of its associated week. Saying these prayers together as a family will add a deeper spiritual significance to this Christmastime tradition. 

Advent Sunday | Hope

The first Sunday in Advent, known as Advent Sunday, is a week devoted to Hope. This prayer, as shared by Loyola Press, reminds us of our hope and anticipation for the birth of our Savior. 

God of Love,

Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. He is a sign of your love. Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for his coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior.

Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent | Peace

The second Sunday of Advent starts a week with the theme of Peace. This prayer, as shared by Xavier University, continues Advent’s overall theme of preparation for the birth of Jesus and living his example of peace. 

God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent | Joy

The third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, is represented by a pink candle on Advent wreaths. Pink is the liturgical color for joy, and “Gaudete” is Latin for rejoice, so the prayer for this week, as shared by the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, focuses on the joy of salvation. 

Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent | Love

The final Sunday in Advent is devoted to love and the ever growing anticipation of the arrival of Christ on Christmas Day. This prayer, as shared by the National Catholic Register, calls on us to prepare ourselves for His arrival and calls on God to continue to bless us all. 

Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of us all.

O Lord, let your blessing come upon us as we light all candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise of salvation. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in His holy name. 

Amen.

Christmas Day

Your Advent wreath may have a fifth candle in the center. This is known as the Christ Candle, and it is lit on Christmas Day. As your family prepares to light this candle, this prayer from Pope John XXIII, as shared by A Catholic Moment, rejoices in the birth of Jesus Christ and the blessings for all humanity that are inherent in His birth. 

O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. 

Amen.

Prayer guides for Advent and beyond

Remember to keep the birth of Jesus in your heart all through the Advent season. Praying with your family as you light each candle on your Advent wreath will bring you all closer to each other and each of you closer to God. If you are interested in practicing daily reflection and prayer, these daily spiritual reading guides can provide a good starting point.