Waiting for Christ with Joyful Anticipation

Alexis Dallara-Marsh reviews a printable Advent resource for families written by Catholic Mom contributing writer Susan Ciancio.

Waiting for Christ with Joyful Anticipation: Reflecting on Christ's Love This Advent

By Susan Ciancio

Published by the Culture of Life Studies Program of the American Life League

God leads us in different seasons. Most recently in my house, this has been to be extra aware of the presence of the saints. As a parent of children ages 8 and 10, I have turned to their examples as a way to demonstrate that holiness is truly attainable and not just an ideal. With all our power, we should strive to help each other place Christ above all, so that by the end of this lifetime (and really at any time), we will be prepared for Heaven.   

Rather than be lost to the worldliness and materialism all around us, this Advent “calendar” and reflection booklet by Catholic Mom contributing writer Susan Ciancio prioritizes teaching God's infinite love and humility. Ms. Ciancio is associated with the American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program, a Catholic pro-life educational program for students in preschool through high school with easy to teach lessons inspiring beautiful discussions for kids and grown-ups alike. Full disclosure: At times references are made to other resources of this program, which is nice to keep ideas continuing all year 'round.  

What Does This Resource Include?

The PDF is structured as 28 pages, since that is the maximum number of days an Advent season can have. Each day of Advent is a separate page, beginning with a Bible verse, followed by a commentary paragraph on the verse, then a brief biography of a relevant saint, and concluding with a concrete example of a way to live out a Christian life with your family.

The Bible verses are strategically taken from key passages of the start of the Gospels (Chapters 1 of Matthew and John, and Chapters 1-2 of Luke). There is a great balance of saints you may be well familiar with as well as some you've never heard of. The family challenges that are listed at the end of each page are quite variable and for the digital savvy there are at times weblinks for more information both on Catholic doctrines as well as resources to carry out tangible next steps in helping one another as Christians should (such as with encouraging donations to Toys for Tots). 

An Advent Resource with Something for Everyone

I like that this resource has something for everyone, and likely you can pick and choose depending on where you are in your faith. It has enough information for myself alone to reflect on if I wish, but that I can also discuss with the rest of my family, young and old. I particularly enjoyed pondering over themes of virtues, direct references from the Catechism, and guidance on teaching one another how to pray, while I know my kids will enjoy the activities — from baking proposals to word scrambles.

While Waiting for Christ with Joyful Anticipation is meant to be read aloud, I got so much out of reading this booklet in quiet contemplation and actively taking my own notes/journaling simultaneously. Ultimately it might be worth seeing which style works best for you and your family, perhaps reading on one's own in the morning and then in the evening revisiting a conversation together. Overall, I am thankful to Ms. Ciancio for designing another tool I can make use of to, God willing, continue the path of faith formation in my family and hopefully someday producing additional future saints! 

Order online from the Culture of Life Studies Program.

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Copyright 2025 Alexis Dallara-Marsh
Images: Canva