Advent is a liturgical season that lasts four (4) weeks, which also marks the beginning of the Church Year—so Happy New (Church) Year! It is structured as the fourth Sunday before Christmas for its beginning and is a time of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus on Christmas Day. The predominate color for this liturgical season is purple, symbolizing penance and preparation.   However, on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday, Rose is the color of the liturgies (Masses, prayer services, etc.) used to signify Joy and Hope.   

Some themes and focus for the Season: Preparation—this is a time for spiritual   preparation for the coming of Christ. It emphasizes the need for personal and individual reflection,   repentance, and renewal. Catholics are encouraged to prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and what that means or should mean for our lives here on earth. Just how does the birth of the Savior of the World impact me? How will I amend my life so as to live more as a disciple,   believer and follower—doer—of Christ?

Anticipation of Christ’s Coming—Advent has a dual focus: it prepares for the historical coming of Jesus at Christmas—something we do every year—while at the same time anticipates His Second Coming—His return for the judgement and salvation of all. This   duality encourages each Catholic to reflect on both the mystery of the Incarnation and the Hope of Christ’s return. How have I allowed His birth to change me, and what will I do day-to-day as a   practicing Catholic to accept Him into my life and live Him out through my actions and word? Hope and Joy—while Advent is a season of preparation it also is one of Hope and Joy. While the readings all season long reflect the hope and joy of what is to come, they do significantly change around the 17th of the month and point more towards the Christmas Day Incarnation. 

Liturgical Practices: We have a tradition of the Advent Wreath, which our parish will celebrate on December 1st to create our home Advent Wreaths with evergreens and candles— usually four candles to represent love, hope, peace and joy—and sometimes a fifth, white candle, known as the Christ candle, which is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Mass readings during Advent focus on the themes of prophecy, preparation, and the coming of the Messiah. The Gospel readings often include passages form the Old Testament prophets, who foretold the coming of Christ.   Prayer and Reflection is on the top of the Advent-To-Do-List. This Season is a time for increased prayerfulness and reflection as well as spiritual activities—the habitus of which St. Thomas Aquinas speaks—doing what I say I am. There are many Advent devotions, i.e., attend daily Mass, start the Office of Prayer and engage in charitable acts. Busy, busy, busy to quote another Christmas   character from childhood.  

In the end, Advent is a glorious season to take up the many faith opportunities to reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming, both in history and in the future, creating a sense of hope and   expectation as we all await the joy of the Nativity. To really focus on what it means for the world and for me individually. It is life changing, eternally.   

Please remember to use our Advent Calendar as a starting point of things to do and of which to   involve yourself for a refreshing and glorious new “take” on Advent. Happy New Year!