Prepared by Br. Karlo Cruz, Program Director, ReKnew Your Faith

As the Christmas season approaches, it’s essential to deepen our understanding of Advent, which begins on Sunday, December 1, 2024. This liturgical season invites Catholics and other Christians worldwide to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christ’s birth and His eventual return.

What Is Advent?

• Meaning: Derived from the Latin word adventus (meaning “coming” or “arrival”), Advent reflects the coming of Jesus Christ into the world.
• Purpose:
  1. To prepare for the commemoration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.
  2. To renew hope and anticipation for His Second Coming at the end of time (General Norms, No. 39).

Liturgical Colors and Symbolism

• The primary color of Advent is purple or violet, symbolizing penance, humility, and royalty.
• On Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent), rose may be used to signify joy amidst anticipation.

Advent and Penitence

While Advent shares the color purple with Lent, it is not officially a penitential season. Canon Law specifies Lent and Fridays as the universal penitential times (Canon 1250). Instead, Advent is a season of joyful and devout expectation.

Key Liturgical Practices

1. Duration:
   • Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, with Evening Prayer I of that Sunday, and ends with Evening Prayer I of Christmas Eve. In 2024, this spans from December 1 to December 24.
2. The Gloria:
   • The Gloria is omitted during Advent, reflecting the subdued and anticipatory nature of the season.
3. Music and Decorations:
   • Musical instruments and floral decorations are used sparingly to maintain the reflective character of the season.

Weekly Themes of Advent

Each week highlights a virtue that prepares hearts for Christ’s coming:

1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Joy
4. Love

Advent Devotions

One cherished tradition is the Advent wreath, featuring:

• Four candles (three purple, one rose) symbolizing the four weeks.
• A candle lit each Sunday, fostering spiritual reflection.

Advent is a sacred time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and joyful anticipation for Christ’s birth. Through prayer, scripture, and devotions, we center our hearts on the true meaning of Christmas, preparing not only for the Nativity but also for Christ’s ultimate return.

May this Advent season be a time of renewed faith, hope, and love.