Tech Talk: Digital Tools for Advent

On a recent episode of the Son Rise Morning Show, we discussed ways we can use digital tools to enrich the Advent season for our families.

Q: Somehow, it's already time for Advent! How do you feel when people ask you "Are you ready for Advent”?

The Catechism says of Advent:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease.” (p. 524)

This year, more than ever before, I find myself focused on those words from John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” I’m not “ready” for Advent, but I need this Advent more than I have in years. I feel a strong need to prepare my heart not only for this Christmas, but especially for that second coming.

I’m anxious to still the noise and focus on prayer, but life circumstances will have me traveling for much of Advent to attend to family situations, so this will be a non-conventional Advent season.

I’m more glad than ever before for “portable” Advent tools.

Q: What are a few tools that the institutional Church has provided online to help us ready our hearts for Jesus' coming at Christmas?

The USCCB offers a virtual Advent calendar with “Read, Reflect, Pray, Act” format, blessings for Advent wreaths, nativity scenes and Christmas trees, and Advent Lectio Divina

Q: It seems that there are several good apps that we can use on our phones too. What are some of your favorites?

The Magnificat Advent Companion: Liturgy, prayers, meditation, Advent stations.
Kate Taliaferro is offering free printable Advent Journals

Q: Are there any digital tools that children can enjoy? How about tools for families?

CatholicMom.com's free printable Advent calendar
Find Catholic kids crafts and activities at CatholicIcing.com
Many of the publishers offer free Advent activities - check out the Advent resources from Loyola Press

Q: Tell us a bit about your Advent devotional O Radiant Dawn (now available in paperback and kindle).

O Radiant Dawn is a daily prayer book created for use around an Advent wreath in Catholic households of any configuration. It contains twenty-eight devotional services, each designed to last only five minutes -- an achievable goal for busy families. The single-page service includes: 1) a simple candle lighting, 2) a brief scripture passage paired with a reflection question for adults and older children and one for younger children, 3) silence, and 4) a closing prayer. Rooted in scriptural images of light, the booklet can be used perennially.

Q: Is there any risk in using digital tools for our Advent devotions?

We run the risk of becoming so busy “doing” Advent that we neglect to truly prepare our hearts spiritually.
Using digital tools always increases our exposure to digital “noise” and runs the risk of separating us from loved ones. When using these tools, turn on screen time limitations, block notifications, and use them in conjunction with offline devotions to connect with others.

Q: Advent also includes some cultural celebrations and celebrations of special saints. Are there any great resources to learn more about and celebrate these liturgical moments?

Simbang Gabi: (from wikipedia) - Simbáng Gabi (Filipino for "Night Mass") is a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced by Roman Catholics and Aglipayans in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas and to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is similar to the nine-day series of dawn Masses leading to Christmas Eve practiced in Puerto Rico called Misa de Aguinaldo.
Santuario Guadalupe - Official app for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, IL (from OSV) - live-stream Mass and explore the sanctuary
St. Nicholas Center - discover the truth about Santa Claus with crafts, activities and more

Listen to our conversation here!