Advent Devotions & Christmas Novena
Advent Devotions & Christmas Novena
“Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make straight His paths.”
Advent at Mater Dei Seminary
During the holy season of Advent, the Church invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Our Divine Savior. The following devotions and novena prayers are offered by Mater Dei Seminary to assist the faithful in prayerful preparation for Christmas.
Advent Devotional Resources
Printed prayers and chant to assist in a devout preparation for Christmas.
*Courtesy of the CMRI Sisters*
PDF Files
Daily Advent & Christmas Meditations
For each day from December 1st through the Christmas season, you can follow a short spiritual meditation focusing on the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His coming in grace, and His coming again in judgment. These meditations are provided by Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals .
“The King Who is to come; O come, let us adore Him.”
Click the number for the day to open that meditation on Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals in a new tab. You may also read ahead or return to previous days as you wish.
The Great "O" Antiphons
Ancient Advent antiphons invoking Our Lord under His messianic titles, prayed at Vespers from December 17–23.
The Great Antiphons
December 17-23
O Wisdom
December 17
O Lord and Ruler
December 18
O Root of Jesse
December 19
O Key of David
December 20
O Rising Dawn
December 21
O King of Nations
December 22
God-With-Us
December 23
The “O Antiphons” are seven ancient antiphons sung at Vespers from December 17th to 23rd. Each begins with the exclamation “O” and invokes the Messiah under a different prophetic title.
Taken together, the initials of these titles (Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia) spell the acrostic ERO CRAS: “Tomorrow I shall come.”
Meditating on them during the final week of Advent unites us with the Church’s longing for the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Advent Resources & Readings
The Season of Advent
An explanation of the threefold Coming of Our Lord — in the flesh, in the soul, and at the Last Judgment — a beautiful introduction to the spirit of Advent.
Advent Preparation (Challoner)
Reflections and guidance on preparing one’s soul for the coming of Christ during Advent.
The Practice of Advent
Practical advice on Christian conduct and dispositions fitting for the holy season of Advent.
A Reflection for Advent
from the writings of Most Rev. Mark A. Pivarunas, CMRI
As we prepare for the feast of the Nativity of our Divine Savior Jesus Christ, our Holy Mother the Catholic Church inspires us in the Sacred Liturgy of Advent with passages from the Old Testament, which foretold the Coming of the Messias, especially from the Prophet Isaias.
When we study the Old Testament prophecies about the Messias, we find the beautiful harmony between the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we find the promises of God foretold; in the New Testament, we find God’s promises fulfilled.
In order to prepare ourselves worthily for Christmas, let us consider some of the prophecies of the Old Testament to see there their fulfillment in our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ....
Read the full reflection on the Messianic Prophecies →
Recommended Advent Booklets & Leaflets
Advent & Christmas Customs
by Sr. Mary Laetitia, R.S.M.
Nihil Obstat: J. Gerald Kealy, D.D.
Imprimatur: Samuel Cardinal Stritch
Archbishop of Chicago, Nov. 22, 1955
A classic booklet exploring the many rich Catholic customs that prepare the home and heart for the coming of Christ. Beautifully written and deeply practical for both families and religious communities.
Includes the Advent wreath, family prayers, and traditional Catholic practices that make Advent a season of joyful expectation.
Purchase from MIQ Center
Advent Psalms & Prayers
Advent Psalms and Prayers
Leaflet • Full-color front • 3.75" × 5.75" tri-fold
A simple and beautiful leaflet featuring selected psalms and prayers suitable for daily Advent meditation. Perfect for keeping in a missal or on a family prayer table.
Includes two Advent hymns and prayer selections drawn from the Church’s liturgy.
Purchase from MIQ Center
The Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath Leaflet
Leaflet • Full-color • 3.75" × 5.75" tri-fold
This charming leaflet explains the origin and meaning of the Advent wreath, a beloved Catholic tradition rooted in centuries of Christian symbolism.
The evergreens signify eternal life; the four candles represent the long ages of waiting for the Redeemer. A wonderful supplement for homes, classrooms, or parish Advent devotions.
Purchase from MIQ Center
Christmas Music from Mater Dei Seminary
Sacred carols sung by the Mater Dei Seminary Schola to accompany your Christmas season.
To support the seminary’s mission of priestly formation:
Advent & Christmas Sacred Music Videos
Sung and performed by the seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary.
May the Infant Savior bless you and your loved ones with His peace and grace throughout this holy season of Advent and Christmastide.
— The Priests and Seminarians of Mater Dei Seminary
Rorate caeli desuper, et nubes pluant Justum.