What Is Advent?
Advent is the first season of the liturgical year and is a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. The word 'Advent' comes from the Latin word 'adventus,' which means 'coming' or 'arrival.' During Advent, we prepare for both the celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas and for His second coming at the end of time. Advent is a season of joyful expectation, prayer, and preparation.
The Catholic Church celebrates Advent for four weeks, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (the feast of St. Andrew) and ending on Christmas Eve. Advent is marked by a spirit of penance and preparation, but also by joyful expectation as we await the coming of the Savior. The liturgical color for Advent is purple, symbolizing penance and preparation, though some churches use blue to distinguish Advent from Lent.
The Biblical Foundation of Advent
The season of Advent has its roots in the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. The prophets, especially Isaiah, frequently spoke of the coming of a Savior who would bring peace, justice, and salvation to the world. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied, 'Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.'
In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of these prophecies in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke tell the story of the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son who would be the Son of God. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfilled the ancient prophecies and brought salvation to the world.
The History of Advent
The celebration of Advent has its origins in the early Church, though it developed gradually over several centuries. In the early Church, there was a period of preparation for the celebration of the Epiphany (the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles), which was originally the main celebration of Christ's birth. This period of preparation included fasting and prayer.
By the fourth century, the celebration of Christmas on December 25 had become established, and the period of preparation became focused on Christmas. The length of Advent varied in different regions, from three weeks to six weeks. By the sixth century, the four-week Advent season had become standard in the Western Church.
In the Middle Ages, Advent took on a more penitential character, similar to Lent, with fasting and abstinence. In recent times, the Church has emphasized the joyful and expectant nature of Advent, while still maintaining its character as a time of preparation and conversion.
The Meaning of the Four Weeks
Each week of Advent has its own focus and meaning, helping us to prepare for the coming of Christ in different ways:
First Week of Advent: The first week focuses on hope and the coming of Christ. We are reminded of the hope that the Messiah would come to save His people, and we renew our hope in Christ's second coming.
Second Week of Advent: The second week focuses on peace and preparation. We are called to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and to work for peace in our world.
Third Week of Advent: The third week focuses on joy and is sometimes called 'Gaudete Sunday' (from the Latin word for 'rejoice'). We rejoice in the nearness of Christ's coming and in the joy that He brings.
Fourth Week of Advent: The fourth week focuses on love and the fulfillment of God's promises. We reflect on the love that God showed by sending His Son into the world.
Advent Traditions and Symbols
Advent is rich in traditions and symbols that help us to enter into the spirit of the season. One of the most popular Advent traditions is the Advent wreath, a circular wreath with four candles (three purple and one pink) and often a white candle in the center for Christmas. One candle is lit each week of Advent, with the pink candle (representing joy) lit on the third Sunday.
Another popular tradition is the Advent calendar, which helps children (and adults) to count down the days until Christmas. Advent calendars often include small treats or religious images behind each door. The Jesse Tree is another Advent tradition that tells the story of salvation history through symbols and ornaments.
Advent and Prayer
Advent is a time for increased prayer and spiritual preparation. Many people use Advent as a time to develop or deepen their prayer life. This might include daily prayer, reading Scripture, attending daily Mass, or participating in Advent devotions.
The Church provides special prayers and readings for Advent that help us to enter into the spirit of the season. The readings at Mass during Advent focus on the prophecies of the Old Testament and the preparation for Christ's coming. The prayers of the Church during Advent express our longing for the coming of Christ and our desire for salvation.
Advent and Conversion
Advent is not just a time of external preparation, but is also a time of internal conversion and spiritual renewal. We are called to examine our lives, to turn away from sin, and to grow closer to God. This might include going to confession, practicing the traditional Advent disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, or making other spiritual resolutions.
Advent is a time to prepare our hearts to receive Christ more fully. This means being open to God's grace, being willing to change and grow, and being ready to respond to God's call in our lives. Advent is a time of spiritual renewal and conversion.
Advent and Charity
Advent is also a time for works of charity and service to others. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, who came to serve and to give His life for others, we are called to follow His example by serving others. This might include volunteering at a soup kitchen, donating to charitable organizations, or simply being more kind and generous to those around us.
Advent is a time to remember that Christ came not just for us, but for all people, especially the poor and marginalized. By practicing works of charity during Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive Christ and to follow His example of love and service.
Advent and Family
Advent is a wonderful time for families to grow together in faith and to prepare for Christmas as a family. Families can pray together, read Scripture together, and participate in Advent traditions like the Advent wreath or Jesse Tree. Advent is also a time for families to practice works of charity together.
Advent provides families with an opportunity to focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and to avoid the commercialism and busyness that often accompany the holiday season. By celebrating Advent as a family, parents can help their children to understand the true meaning of Christmas and to grow in their faith.
Conclusion: Preparing for Christ's Coming
Advent is a beautiful and meaningful season that helps us to prepare for the coming of Christ. It is a time of joyful expectation, prayer, conversion, and charity. By celebrating Advent well, we can enter more deeply into the mystery of Christmas and grow in our relationship with Christ.
Advent reminds us that Christ is coming, both in the celebration of His birth at Christmas and in His second coming at the end of time. It calls us to be ready, to prepare our hearts, and to live in such a way that we are always ready to receive Christ. Advent is a time of hope, peace, joy, and love, and it prepares us to celebrate these gifts more fully at Christmas.