Bishops’ video series puts the spotlight on Advent

For the fourth year running, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) is spiritually accompanying Catholics during Advent with short video reflections, inspired by the Gospel readings, published to its YouTube channel and website.

The Journey through Advent video series is a joint initiative of the CCCB’s Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, the National Liturgy Office and the Office national de liturgie.

Videos one and two were released on Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, the Monday in advance of the first and second Sunday of Advent respectively. The remaining reflections will be posted on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Bishop Jon Hansen of the Mackenzie-Fort Smith diocese is leading the English reflections and Auxiliary Bishop Alain Faubert of Montreal is presenting the French homilies.

Margaret Shea-Lawrence, the director and commission secretary of the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis, said the series calls for a rededication to the Advent virtues of hope, joy, peace and love.

“It seems to me in these times of distress where there is so much discord, and seemingly a lack of charity, the world needs to manifest these virtues. I hope that the videos provide people with the opportunities to stop and reflect on what it means to live these virtues in their lives.

“Advent is the season of anticipation in which we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” continued Shea-Lawrence. “More than ever, I believe people of God are called to witness to the presence of Christ, the Prince of Peace, in our world.”

Since the inception of Journey through Advent in 2020, Shea-Lawrence said individuals, families, parish groups and even Catholic school classes mediate upon the videos.

“The videos really receive great feedback,” said Shea-Lawrence. “In fact, over the past few years, we get people asking us if we will be producing these videos again. On YouTube, they receive a good watch rate.”

Hansen’s video reflection for the First Sunday of Advent amassed a robust 1,200 views in its first three days of publication. He discussed the importance of waiting and waking up to the presence of God.

“Advent is an opportunity to join Isaiah in that longing as we wait patiently for God to reveal Himself to the world,” said the bishop who resides in Yellowknife. “As we do so, we come to realize it is not God who has left us, rather it is we who strayed. And it is God our Father who is gently calling us back. Will we take this opportunity to hear this call?”

To view the 2023 Journey through Advent videos, visit https://www.youtube.com/@CCCBCECC.