Advent

The Advent wreath is perhaps the most common Advent symbol, and is also one of the most popular traditions for the home. Each part of the Advent wreath symbolizes our spiritual preparation for the birth of the world's Messiah, Jesus Christ, on Christmas day. The traditionally circular shape of the Advent wreath symbolizes eternal life; the purple candles symbolize our repentance and waiting; the pink Advent candle symbolizes our joy that Christmas is coming soon. The bright candlelight symbolizes the coming of Jesus as "The Light of the World."

from The Catholic Company

The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means a coming, approach, or arrival. In the Church, it refers to the period encompassing the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It is a time of penance, of turning away from sin and hopeful, joyous preparation for the coming of the Savior.

This is what makes Advent special for Christians: the recognition that Christmas is not just “the birthday of Jesus,” but a celebration of his coming into our world today, here and now. How does he come into the world today? Jesus is “born”—becomes physically tangible—through the celebration of the sacraments. It is by eating the Eucharist, washing in the waters of Baptism, being anointed with the oil of Confirmation and so on, that Jesus’ friends become part of the living Body of Christ (the Church) in the world today. For Catholics, then, every celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments is like a little Christmas.

During Advent, Christians prepare for this here-and-now coming of Christ by remembering the long years during which Israel waited for the coming of the Messiah, and by looking forward to the final coming of Christ at the end of time. You will hear both themes reflected in the Church’s readings during Advent.
from Teaching Catholic Kids


Advent: A Biblical Journey of Hope
by Marcellino D’Ambrosio for Catholic News Service
Advent is simply the Latin word for “coming.” If we can manage to meditate on any “coming” in December besides the comings and goings of Christmas shopping, it’s usually Christ’s coming to Mary in a stable. But the Scripture readings of Advent mainly focus on another coming: the second and final coming of Jesus at the end of time.

From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. Many have claimed to recognize the signs of his imminent return and have even tried to predict the date. But our Advent scripture readings tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down, neutralized and utterly distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36).

Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 3 to work to make greater progress in the life of holiness, putting on the character of Christ. But as we engage in the challenging work of preparation, we are to labor in joyful anticipation. For Advent is a season of hope. Yes, mountains need to be leveled and valleys must be filled in (Is 40). But that is primarily God’s task. And he will do it. For “God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory,” says the prophet Baruch (5:9). In fact, the third Sunday of Advent is so much about rejoicing that it is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. “Rejoice in the Lord always! I say it again, Rejoice!” commands the apostle Paul (Phil 4:4-7). Yet the Gospel from this same Sunday features the stark figure of John the Baptist, calling people to repent and reform their lives in preparation for the coming of someone who is much mightier than John . . . We, like John, are also to prepare the way by calling others to Christ. Think about inviting someone to church during Advent. Evangelization can be as simple as that.

The final Sunday of Advent seems to fit in more with our idea of the holiday spirit: Mary visits Elizabeth and the talk is about the two babies to be born. John leaps for joy in his mother’s womb, Elizabeth acclaims Mary, and Mary magnifies the Lord (Lk 1:26-38).

But bear in mind that Mary, newly pregnant, has just made a bumpy 70-mile donkey ride and has two more to go before she gives birth in a stable. And Elizabeth, of advanced age, is about to have her first child (by modern standards, a high-risk pregnancy). Advent joy is not always comfortable. Of course, there is no birth without labor. So, as we rejoice in hope over the imminent coming of Christ, perhaps we ought to do everything possible to make sure that the labor goes successfully. For if Christ is born anew in us this Advent, there’ll really be something to rejoice about come Christmas morning.

The Roman Catholic Church has been singing the “O” Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative “Come!” embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

DECEMBER 17
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love: come to teach us the path of knowledge!

DECEMBER 18
O Leader of the House of Israel, giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai: come to rescue us with your mighty power!

DECEMBER 19
O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!

DECEMBER 20
O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness!

DECEMBER 21
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

DECEMBER 22
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

DECEMBER 23 O
Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!

From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers