Advent 2022 Is Here, But What Is Advent?

Starting the Church’s liturgical year, Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come”) is the period encompassing the four Sundays (and also weekdays) leading up to the event of Christmas.

The Advent period is a time of preparation that guides our hearts and also minds to 2nd coming of Jesus Christ – the King of the Universe – at the end of time, as well as to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth at Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been intrigued by Jesus’ assurance of His return at the end of time. However, the scripture readings throughout Advent warn us not to squander our time with forecasts. The beautiful season of Advent was not given to us to speculate on the second coming of Christ. Rather, it was given to us in order that we may prepare for that coming – whenever it may be. Our Advent readings call us to be alert as well as ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34 -36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple because both are periods that prepare us for wonderful feast days. Advent likewise consists of a component of penance in the sense of preparing, silencing, and also disciplining our hearts for the complete joy of Christmas.

As we plan for Christmas, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes some distinctions to the Mass that must be observed throughout the period. the priest puts on violet or purple during Advent, except for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when the color rose may be used (GIRM, no. 346). Aside from what the priests put on, other visual adjustments in the Church can consist of the alters being less embellished than usual.

During the last days of Advent, from December 17 to December 24, we focus on our preparation for the celebrations of the Nativity of our Lord at Christmas. Specifically, the “O” Antiphons are sung during this period. Since about the eighth century, this has been done during this period by the Church. They are a beautiful theology that utilizes old biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to announce the coming of Christ to fulfill Old Testament hopes, as well as the hopes of today.

Advent devotions include the Advent wreath, which reminds us of the true meaning of the season. There are also Catholic Advent calendars to help you enter into the season by providing daily activities, and also prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ. Extra