Rachel Evans
Advent is a period of preparation for Catholics, extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. The term comes from the Latin 'adventus', meaning 'a coming, approach, or arrival'. While many Catholics associate Advent with preparation for Christmas, it also marks the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and his second coming at the end of time. The season is observed by increased prayer, fasting, and good works, with traditions like the Advent wreath, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, and the Jesse Tree. It is a time of penance, turning away from sin, and joyous anticipation of the Saviour's birth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Focus | The focus of Advent is on the coming of Christ, including the celebration of his birth, his coming into our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and his second coming at the end of time. |
| Preparation | Catholics prepare for Advent through prayer, fasting, good works, and penance. This includes increased prayer, such as praying the Rosary daily, reading the Bible each day, and spending more time in personal prayer or participating in the Mass during the week. |
| Traditions | Traditions during Advent include the Advent wreath, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, and the Jesse Tree. Families may also create their own traditions, such as Advent calendars or a decorative paper chain. |
| Colours | The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, symbolising penance and sacrifice, with one rose/pink candle lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, symbolising joy and the midpoint of Advent. |
| Fasting | While the Western Church no longer requires fasting during Advent, the Eastern Catholic Church observes Philip's Fast from November 15 until Christmas. Abstaining from meat on Fridays or not eating between meals is another way to fast during Advent. |
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What You'll Learn
Praying more, participating in Mass, and reading the Bible
Advent is a period of preparation for Catholics, a time to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ, the judge of the living and the dead, and King of the Universe. It is a time to reflect on the truths of the Catholic faith and Jesus, and to prepare for his birth on Christmas.
Praying More
Praying more is a common way for Catholics to prepare for Advent. This can take the form of saying the Rosary daily, spending more time in personal prayer, or praying the Liturgy of the Hours/Divine Office. The Advent wreath prayers are also a traditional way to pray during Advent, with one candle lit for each Sunday of Advent, and the rose candle lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday. The violet or purple candles represent penance and sacrifice, while the rose candle represents joy and the rejoicing of the faithful at the midpoint of Advent.
Participating in Mass
Participating in Mass during Advent is another way for Catholics to prepare. The Gloria ("Glory to God") is omitted during Mass, and priests wear purple vestments, symbolising penance and preparation. The readings during Mass call Catholics to be alert and ready, and not to be distracted by the cares of this world.
Reading the Bible
Reading the Bible each day is another way for Catholics to prepare for Advent. Special scripture readings for Advent remind Catholics of the threefold coming of Christ: the celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas, his coming into our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and his second coming at the end of time.
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Fasting and abstaining from meat on Fridays
Fasting and abstinence are important practices for Catholics during Advent, a period of four Sundays before Christmas, marking the preparation for and commemoration of Christ's Nativity.
The practice of abstinence involves refraining from consuming flesh meat, which is considered to be the meat of warm-blooded animals. This definition includes meats such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. Catholics may choose to substitute another form of penance that holds personal significance if they are unable to abstain from meat on Fridays.
In addition to Fridays during Advent, Catholics also observe obligatory days of fasting and abstinence during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the Ember Days, which occur four times a year. The specific norms and obligations regarding fasting and abstinence may vary depending on the region and the particular Catholic Church tradition being followed.
The practice of abstinence is a form of asceticism, or self-denial, aimed at growing in holiness and honouring Jesus' sacrifice. By denying the physical cravings of the body, Catholics emulate Jesus' act of self-denial when he gave his body on the Cross. This spiritual discipline is intended to cultivate simplicity and austerity, directing the focus away from earthly pleasures and towards heavenly rewards.
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Using an Advent calendar or wreath
Advent calendars and wreaths are a great way to prepare for the Advent season. They help to acknowledge the "yearning desire" for the coming of Jesus Christ and to prepare for his birth.
Advent Calendars
Advent calendars can be used to mark off the days of Advent. They can be purchased from local retailers or online, or you can make your own. Some Advent calendars have a door to be opened each day, with candy or a prize behind each door. If you want to observe the spirit of Advent more closely, you can find a more spiritually focused Advent calendar, such as the one provided by the U.S. Catholic bishops, which includes activity suggestions for each day. Another simple way to do an Advent calendar is to make a decorative paper chain, with your kids adding a single link to the chain each day.
Advent Wreaths
Advent wreaths are a traditional way to prepare for the Advent season. They can be purchased inexpensively or made at home. Each Sunday of Advent, one candle is lit, with the rose or pink candle being lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, which is Latin for "rejoice". The violet or purple candles represent the penance and sacrifice undertaken to prepare for the Lord's coming at Christmas, while the rose or pink candle represents the rejoicing of the faithful at the midpoint of Advent.
To incorporate an Advent wreath into your daily ritual, you can say a prayer and light the candle or candles together as a family each night before dinner, keeping the candles burning throughout the meal. You can find the traditional Advent wreath prayers online or in Catholic prayer books. On the first Sunday of Advent, be sure to bless your Advent wreath using the blessing provided by the U.S. Catholic bishops.
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Preparing for the coming of Christ through penance and sacrifice
Advent is a period of preparation for Catholics, with a twofold character. It is a time to prepare for the commemoration of Christ's birth, but also to look forward to Christ's second coming at the end of time. The word 'Advent' comes from the Latin 'adventus', meaning 'coming', 'approach' or 'arrival'.
Preparation for the coming of Christ involves penance and sacrifice. This includes fasting, abstaining from meat on Fridays, and not eating between meals. The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, which symbolises penance and preparatory sacrifices. The Gloria ("Glory to God") is also omitted during Mass.
Catholics may also choose to incorporate the Advent wreath into their daily rituals. One candle is lit for each Sunday of Advent, with the rose or pink candle being lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, to represent the rejoicing of the faithful at the midpoint of Advent.
Advent is also a time to pray more, asking God to guide us as we anticipate the coming of His birth. This includes saying the traditional Advent wreath prayers and lighting the candles as a family each night before dinner.
In addition to prayer and penance, Advent is a time to focus on good works. Catholics can use this time to prepare for Christ's coming by reflecting on the truths about Jesus and the Catholic faith, reading the Bible each day, and spending more time in personal prayer.
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Creating family traditions
Advent is a time of preparation and reflection for Catholics, and creating family traditions is a great way to observe this period. Here are some ideas for establishing family traditions during Advent:
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is a well-known symbol of the season. It typically consists of four candles: three purple and one pink. One candle is lit on each of the four Sundays of Advent, with the pink candle being lit on the third Sunday, Gaudete Sunday, marking the midpoint of Advent. You can purchase an Advent wreath or make your own. Families can gather to light the candles and say prayers together each night before dinner, keeping the candles burning throughout the meal. The prayers can be found online or in Catholic prayer books.
Advent Calendar
An Advent calendar is a fun way to involve children in the family's Advent preparations. There are many different types of Advent calendars available, from traditional chocolate-filled calendars to more spiritual options. The U.S. Catholic bishops provide an Advent calendar on their website, with activity and prayer suggestions for each day to help you prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesse Tree
A Jesse tree is a Christmas tree alternative decorated with ornaments based on symbols of Old Testament events leading up to the coming of Christ. For example, an ark or rainbow to represent Noah and the flood, or a ladder to depict Jacob's ladder. This tradition helps to incorporate the anticipation of Christ's birth into your daily rituals during Advent.
Prayer and Scripture Readings
Advent is a time for increased prayer and reflection. Families can pray the Rosary daily, read the Bible each day, or spend more time in personal prayer and conversation with God. Special scripture readings for Advent remind Catholics of the threefold coming of Christ: his birth, his presence in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and his second coming at the end of time.
Fasting
Fasting is a traditional practice during Advent, though it is no longer a requirement in the Western Church. Families may choose to observe a fast during this period, such as abstaining from meat on Fridays or refraining from snacks between meals. This practice can help create a sense of anticipation and discipline, making the Christmas feast more joyful.
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Frequently asked questions
Advent is a period of preparation before Christmas, extending over the four Sundays before Christmas. It is a time of penance, turning away from sin, and joyous preparation for the coming of the Saviour.
Catholics can prepare for Advent by praying more, participating in Mass during the week, and creating family traditions. They may also choose to abstain from meat on Fridays or fasting during Advent.
Some Catholic Advent traditions include the Advent wreath, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena, and the Jesse Tree. Catholics may also choose to incorporate an Advent calendar or a decorative paper chain to mark the days of Advent.
The Advent wreath includes three purple candles and one pink candle. The purple candles symbolise penance, prayer, and preparatory sacrifices, while the pink candle, lit on the third Sunday, represents the rejoicing of the faithful at the midpoint of Advent.
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