Q This year Advent began on Nov. 27. What is Advent all about?
A Advent is a season of the church that lasts around four weeks, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve. It is a time for hope, joyful expectation and prayerful preparation for the second coming of Jesus, as well as the anniversary of his birth. It has a pro-life focus.
The predominant color of vestments during Advent is violet or purple because Advent is truly a time for penance, preparation and sacrifice. Some people call Advent a “little Lent.” During Advent, just like during Lent, the Gloria (one of the most festive hymns of the Mass) is not sung.
Here are some interesting facts about Advent from the Catholic Apostolate Center:
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus or coming.
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year, representing the time in history that Christ was not known to us. With his birth, the beginning of our faith began.
Hope is the predominant theme of Advent. The Israelites hoped for a Messiah to come, and Jesus entered their world. We are hopeful for his arrival again into our world.
Advent is a reminder of the Old Testament promises of the coming of the Messiah. Readings from the prophet Isaiah are often used to remind us that we are waiting for the day when the Messiah will come again.
Advent focuses on light, as opposed to darkness. Christ enters our dark world as the light of the world and casts away the darkness of sin to redeem us.
Advent, as we know it today, was developed in Rome. Pope Gregory I in the late sixth or early seventh century composed many of the prayers, antiphons and psalm responses.
Q What is the meaning and symbolism of an Advent wreath?
A Traditionally, the Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches. Both the evergreen branches and the circular shape symbolize the passing of time and eternal life. The shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, reflects the complete and endless love that Jesus has for us. During the Advent season, we eagerly anticipate his coming and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him.
As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles. The candles represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit, and sometimes a fifth candle is lit on Christmas day. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness.
Each of the candles represents an aspect of preparation during the season of Advent:
The first candle: The Candle of Hope
Color: Violet (Purple)
Violet is the primary color associated with Advent. “Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation and sacrifice.” During the first week of Advent, we look forward to Jesus’ coming with hope.
The second candle: The Candle of Peace
Color: Violet (Purple)
“During this second week of Advent, we reflect on our lives and work on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming.”
The third candle: The Candle of Joy
Color: Rose (Pink)
This candle is rose colored, symbolizing anticipation and rejoicing. “During the third week of Advent, we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas Day.”
The fourth candle: The Candle of Love
Color: Violet (Purple)
“During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his son.”
Quotes above come from Dynamic Catholic – “All About Advent.”
Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at [email protected]g.