ADVENT

The liturgical year begins with the Advent Season which starts four Sundays before December 25 and ends at the Christmas Vigil Mass. There are two themes to this season, both reflected by the term “advent” which means “coming.” First, this season is a period to prepare for the celebration of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), as we recall the first time that Christ came to us. Second, it is a time to reflect and prepare for Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.
During the season of Advent we remember the long years of waiting by the people of Israel for the Messiah, the messages of hope in the prophets, and how Mary and Joseph were faithful to God’s plan. Advent is not a penitential season, as Lent is. Advent is a time of joyful preparation and expectation. The Gloria is omitted on Sundays in Advent not as a sign of repentance, but to create a longing that will inspire people to sing it more joyfully on Christmas.
The Advent Wreath represents a custom that Christians have followed for centuries. The circle of the wreath recalls all the years the people waited for the Messiah. The four candles on the wreath remind us that there are four weeks in Advent. Each week one additional candle is lighted, so by the end of Advent all four are lit. The candles remind us that we are preparing fr Jesus, the Light of the World.
Three of the candles are purple, the liturgical color for Advent. The candle lit for the third week of Advent is often rose-colored, to signify the hope for the coming of Jesus.