THE MEANING OF THE ADVENT SEASON

WHAT IS ADVENT

The word ‘Advent’ is from the Latin ‘Adventus ,’ which means ‘coming.’ Advent is the beginning of a new liturgical year (in the Western churches), and encompasses the span of time from the fourth Sunday before Christmas, until the Nativity of Our Lord is celebrated. The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle
The liturgical color for this season is purple (Usually a deep purple as opposed to the lighter, red-violet shade of purple associated with Lent).
Like Lent, Advent is a preparatory season. It has significance because it is a season of looking forward and waiting for something greater; both for the annual celebration of the event of Christ’s birth, and for the time when Christ will come again.
As noted in the New Catholic Encyclopedia, during Advent, the faithful are asked:

*to prepare themselves worthily to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord’s coming into the world as the incarnate God of love,

*thus to make their souls fitting abodes for the Redeemer coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and

*thereby to make themselves ready for His final coming as judge, at death and at the end of the world. the end of the world.

✳colors for liturgical vestments:

Violet or purple is used in Advent and Lent. It may also be worn in Offices and Masses for the Dead.
Rose may be used, where it is the practice, on:
*Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) and on
*Laetare Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Lent).

ADVENT TRADITIONS

Advent celebration and traditions can vary from place to place, influenced by culture. However, some traditions have come to be common throughout the Catholic Church.
The Advent wreath is likely the most popular tradition, and wreaths are typically present in both the parish church and in the home.

It is often circular, representing God’s eternity, and it includes 4 candles – one for each Sunday of Advent. Many families have a wreath in the home, and will light the candles each Sunday and say Advent prayers together.

May graces of God be upon you as you prepare yourself during this Advent Season.
Amen.

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