Advent is a significant season in the Catholic Church, marking the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a time of preparation, anticipation, and reflection leading up to the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ on Christmas.
Meaning of Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It symbolizes the coming of Jesus into the world as a baby in Bethlehem, as well as the second coming of Christ at the end of time. It is a time of waiting for the light of Christ to shine in the darkness of the world.
Traditions of Advent
The Advent season is marked by many traditions in the Catholic Church. One of the most well-known is the Advent wreath, which consists of four candles – one for each week of Advent – surrounding a larger white candle in the center, representing Christ. The candles are lit each Sunday in Advent, with each one symbolizing a different aspect of the season: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Another tradition is the Advent calendar, which is a way to count down the days until Christmas. Each day of Advent, a door or window is opened to reveal a picture, scripture verse, or small gift. This helps to build anticipation and mindfulness of the upcoming celebration.
Finally, the Advent season is also a time of spiritual preparation, through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. It is a time to reflect on the coming of Christ and to strive for greater holiness and virtue in our own lives.
Celebrating Advent in the Catholic Church is a rich and meaningful tradition that helps to deepen our faith and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It is a time of hope, peace, joy, and love – a time to remember the true meaning of Christmas.