Here is more advice on a good Advent, from the Sisters of Carmel December newsletter (to subscribe click here):
"What is a good way to spend Advent?" ... [S]ince it is meant to be a time of prayerful preparation for Christmas, we can ... recommend a daily prayer devotion that will really mean something and bring the soul close to the mystery of Christmas. There is a very old custom—around 700 years old—of praying the Angelus three times each day: morning, noon and night. The Angelus (Latin for "angel") is a Christian devotion in memory of the Incarnation. The name Angelus is derived from the opening words: Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ ("... the Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary ...") and is practiced by reciting as verse and response three Biblical verses describing the mystery; alternating with the Hail Mary (the angel Gabriel’s salutation to Mary). What better way to meditate on the coming of the Redeemer than this prayer, recalling the words of Holy Scripture and crying out for the assistance of the Virgin Mary, the one person who knew and understood best of all His presence in this world?"
The Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. R. Be it done to me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary...
V. And the Word was made flesh. R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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