Welcome to "A Franciscan Advent: Beginning Again." Start your day with this reflection on the readings for the First Sunday of Advent. 

We hope that these weekly reflections help you to journey deeper into Advent by putting Franciscan spirituality, peacemaking, and joy into practice.

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Beginning Again with Christ 
starts with radical attention:   

To unexpected Beauty and Grace  
To surprising encounters with Christ 
To Christ’s quiet beckoning in our daily life. 
 
What are you paying attention to this Advent?  

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Staying awake just might lead back to God. 

“Aroused by everything to divine love, 
Francis rejoiced in all the works of the Lord… 

“In beautiful things he discerned Beauty Itself  
and through the footprints impressed in things  
Francis followed his Beloved everywhere.” 
(Major Legend of Saint Francis) 

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Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!  
(Isaiah 2:1-5) 

We long to walk the Lord’s path
yet we often rush past the very Christ
walking beside us and lighting our way.  

Advent asks for courage to 
face what distracts us, 
rediscover the footprints of Christ  
in the ordinary, 
and run after what truly matters. 

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It is the hour now for  
you to awake from sleep. 

For our salvation is nearer now than when  
we first believed… 

Let us throw off the works of darkness  
and put on the armor of light. 

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. 
(Romans 13:11-14)  

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Therefore, stay awake!  
(Matthew 24:42) 

Don’t miss the quiet ways  
Christ approaches you 
in beauty, in disruptions,  
in the people beside you. 

Advent slows us down to see clearly and  
rouses us to respond generously. 

Such attention illumines loving action:  
becoming Christ for others.  

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We are mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ 
when we carry Him in our  
heart and body through love and 
give birth to Christ through a holy activity  
which must shine as an  
example before others.  
(St. Francis in First Version of Letter to the Faithful) 

Focus your Attention: Choose 1 area of your spiritual life that you hope to renew or reform this year. Write it down. Share with a friend. Let it matter.  

Shift your Attention: Choose one concrete way you will slow down and simplify your routine to notice Christ more clearly this Advent.  

Pay Attention to Christ Daily: Each night ask: When was I awake to Christ today? When was I asleep? Learn what helps you stay more alert to Christ for tomorrow. 

For more reflections like this one, follow the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Instagram and Facebook. Throughout Advent, we will be sharing videos and other content that will invite you to journey deeper into the season of Advent by putting Franciscan spirituality, peacemaking and joy into practice.