Advent: Preparing our hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
What is the Advent Season?
Advent, derived from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming," is a significant liturgical season that marks the period of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s Nativity and His anticipated second coming. This season is deeply rooted in biblical foundations, reflecting a rich narrative of anticipation and hope from God's faithful people throughout salvation history.
The Advent season is a sacred period observed in the Catholic Church and many other Christian traditions, spanning four weeks leading up to Christmas. The term Advent derives from the Latin word "adventus," meaning “coming” or “arrival,” and signifies the anticipation of Christ’s birth and His promised second coming.
Advent is fundamentally about preparing our hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus Christ. This includes His humble birth in Bethlehem, commemorated on Christmas Day, and His anticipated return at the end of time. It is a season infused with hope, expectation, and spiritual renewal. The Church encourages the faithful to engage in prayer, reflection, and growth in their spiritual lives during this time, so that Christ’s light may shine more brightly within us.
Key Themes of Advent
1. Hope: A reminder that Christ brings hope to the world.
2. Peace: The tranquillity that comes from welcoming Christ into our lives.
3. Joy: The celebration and excitement of anticipating Christ’s coming.
4. Love: The essence of God’s gift to humanity through Jesus.
These themes are notably represented by the four candles of the Advent wreath, each symbolising one of the spiritual dimensions we reflect on during this season. Each is grounded in scriptural texts that emphasise the significance of Christ’s coming.
Hope: Central to Advent is the hope rooted in God’s unwavering faithfulness.
- Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” invites believers to envision a world transformed by God's promise of deliverance.
- Romans 15:12-13: The Apostle Paul articulates the universal hope found in Christ’s coming, which transcends ethnic boundaries and extends to both Jews and Gentiles.
- Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” This verse encapsulates the spirit of expectant waiting that defines the Advent season.
Peace: Advent anticipates the peace that Christ is destined to bring.
- Isaiah 9:6: The prophecy declares, “For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called… Prince of Peace,” introducing the promise of divine peace to a troubled world.
- Luke 2:14: At the birth of Jesus, angels proclaim peace, stating, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased,” highlighting the impact of Christ’s arrival on humanity.
Joy: The joy of Advent builds toward the celebration of Christ’s coming.
- Luke 1:44: The joy expressed by John the Baptist, who leaps in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary visits, signifies the joy of salvation that accompanies Christ’s approach.
- Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice,” encourages an attitude of joy and gratitude during the Advent season.
Love: The foundational theme of love is manifest in God's actions toward humanity.
- John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” encapsulates the essence of God's love and sacrifice.
- 1 John 4:9-10: These verses articulate how God’s love is revealed through the gift of His Son, reinforcing love as central to Advent’s message.
Advent Practices in Light of Scripture
The customs and practices of Advent draw deeply from biblical traditions, providing believers with tangible ways to deepen their faith and prepare their hearts.
- Lighting the Advent Wreath: The circular wreath symbolises God’s eternal nature, while the four candles represent Christ as the Light of the World (John 8:12). Each week's candle corresponds to a distinct theme:
- Week 1 (Hope): “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5), emphasising the promise of hope.
- Week 2 (Peace): “He shall judge between the nations… and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares” (Isaiah 2:4), promoting the anticipation of peace.
- Week 3 (Joy): The rose candle reflects Gaudete Sunday, which encourages rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4-5).
- Week 4 (Love): “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God” (1 John 4:16), signalling the importance of love in our preparations.
- Scripture Readings and Reflection: The Advent Lectionary readings are organised around prophecies of the Messiah, including calls to repentance from John the Baptist, and Mary’s role in the Nativity. Key texts include Isaiah 40:1-11, which speaks comfort to God’s people, Luke 1:26-38, which details the Annunciation, and Matthew 24:37-44, which calls for readiness.
- Prayer and Fasting: In the spirit of preparation, Advent encourages self-examination, prayer, and fasting. This practice is modelled after John the Baptist’s call to repentance (Matthew 3:2). Psalm 51, a blessing of contrition, is often recited during this season to foster a heart of humility before God.
- Acts of Charity: Reflecting the theme of love, Advent inspires acts of kindness and generosity. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:35-40 that serving “the least of these” is integral to preparing for His return, calling believers to embody love through action.
Advent in Salvation History
The journey of Advent can be traced back to the Old Testament, where God’s promises illuminate the coming of the Messiah, creating a sense of longing and expectation among His people.
- The Fall and the First Promise (Genesis 3:15): The protoevangelium, or the first Gospel, reveals a promise from God that a Redeemer will arrive to rectify humanity's fallen state. This initial promise foreshadows Christ's victory over sin, reminding believers of their deep yearning for salvation through the promised Saviour.
- God’s Covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3): In this pivotal moment, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising that through his lineage, all nations would be blessed. This promise points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfilment, underscoring Advent's theme of realisation in the incarnation.
- Messianic Prophecies: Numerous prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah, convey words of hope, declaring the coming of a Saviour. For example:
- Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” heralds the miraculous conception of Jesus.
- Micah 5:2: This prophecy states, “But you, O Bethlehem… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel,” pinpointing the birthplace of the awaited Messiah.
- The Forerunner, John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1, Matthew 3:3): John serves as a critical bridge between the Old and New Testaments, preparing the way for the Lord. His message emphasises the importance of spiritual readiness, echoing the very essence of Advent.
Advent’s Dual Focus: First and Second Comings
Advent is unique in that it balances a retrospective and anticipatory focus, emphasising both Christ’s first coming at Christmas and His promised second coming.
- The First Coming (Nativity): Celebrated at Christmas, it fulfils the Old Testament prophecies, reminding believers of the gift of God’s incarnate Son.
- The Second Coming: Advent challenges believers to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ’s return. This emphasis is notably reinforced in Matthew 24:42-44, where Jesus instructs, “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming,” motivating a lifestyle of readiness.
Biblical Symbols of Advent
Advent is layered with rich symbols that are deeply connected to biblical themes, enhancing the understanding of this important season:
- The Jesse Tree: This symbolises Christ’s genealogy (Isaiah 11:1) and visually represents the lineage that leads to the birth of Jesus. Each ornament on the tree illustrates a key figure or event in salvation history.
- The Star: Symbolising the Star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:2), it serves as a guiding light, leading the Magi to Christ and representing the divine guidance towards the Saviour.
- The Annunciation: This moment captures Mary’s willing response to God (Luke 1:38), demonstrating her obedience and trust. It serves as a model for believers to embrace God’s call in their own lives.
Liturgical Characteristics
During Advent, the liturgical colour is predominantly violet (or purple), symbolising a posture of penance, reflection, and preparation. This colour serves as a visual reminder for the faithful to engage in an inner journey of conversion and a hopeful waiting for the joyous arrival of Christ. However, on the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the Church shifts to rose-coloured vestments. This change signifies a moment of joy, emphasising that Christmas is near.
Vestment Colours for the Advent Season and Their Meanings
1. Violet: The traditional liturgical colour for Advent, violet conveys themes of penance, sacrifice, and preparation. It reminds the faithful that Advent is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal as they prepare for the coming of Christ, encouraging a spirit of conversion akin to that observed during Lent, yet with an undertone of joy anticipating Christmas.
2. Rose: Worn only on Gaudete Sunday, rose vestments introduce a joyful shift in the liturgical colour scheme. This colour encapsulates the theme of rejoicing while still in the state of preparation, serving as a jubilant affirmation that the Lord’s arrival is imminent. It invites believers to celebrate even amid their waiting, fostering a sense of closeness to Christ.
The Transformative Power of Advent
The biblical roots of Advent challenge believers to embrace a transformative journey of hope and preparation, both personally and communally.
- Personal Transformation: Through practices of repentance, prayer, and reflection, Advent offers a time for believers to renew their relationship with God, embracing the hope that comes from His promises.
- Communal Unity: Shared worship experiences during Advent foster a sense of unity among the community of faith, encouraging believers to support one another in their spiritual journeys and collective anticipation of Christ's return.
By engaging deeply with the biblical roots and themes of Advent, believers can fully appreciate this transformative season and its call to live in hope, love, joy, and peace as they await Christ’s coming.
Five Simple and Meaningful Ways to Spiritually Prepare for the Advent Season
1. Make Time for Quiet Prayer Each Day: Advent is a unique invitation to slow down in a world that is often bustling with activity. Dedicate 5-10 minutes each day for silent prayer, during which you can ask the Lord to open your heart to His coming. Short prayers, such as “Come, Lord Jesus,” can guide your reflections and foster a deeper connection with the season.
2. Read Scripture, Especially the Advent Readings: Dive into the daily Mass readings throughout Advent, which are rich in themes of hope, promise, and divine love. Engaging with these readings not only enriches your understanding of the season but also helps you connect with the communal journey of anticipation leading up to Christ’s birth.
3. Practice Small Acts of Charity: As a season marked by giving, Advent provides numerous opportunities to practice kindness and compassion. Look for small ways to support those around you, offering an encouraging word, extending forgiveness, lending an ear, helping a neighbour, or reaching out to someone in need can embody the love that prepares our hearts for Christ.
4. Go to Confession: Embracing the sacrament of reconciliation during Advent allows for a profound cleansing of the heart. Confession helps you release burdens, receive God’s grace, and find a renewed sense of peace, creating space for Christ’s arrival at Christmas.
5. Create an Advent Ritual at Home: Establish simple but meaningful traditions within your family to celebrate Advent. Light the candles of the Advent wreath, engage in group prayer, or dedicate a special corner of your home for reflection and devotion. These small rituals serve as daily reminders of Christ’s impending arrival and enrich your communal and spiritual experience throughout the season.
CONCLUSION
Advent, a season steeped in rich Biblical tradition, holds profound spiritual significance for believers. It serves as a sacred time of reflection and preparation, drawing individuals into the depths of salvation history as recorded in Scripture. Each week of Advent invites us to engage with essential themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love, allowing us to align our hearts more closely with God’s ancient promises.
As we delve into the prophetic texts that illuminate the coming of Christ, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness throughout generations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. This season encourages us to light our Advent candles as symbols of hope and anticipation, marking each week with dedicated reflection and prayer. The flickering flames invite us to consider how Christ, the Light of the World, dispels darkness and brings renewal to our lives.
Moreover, Advent also calls us to action through acts of charity and service, reflecting God's love and generosity within our communities. By engaging in these practices, we not only prepare our hearts for the joy of Christ's birth but also embody the spirit of giving and compassion that He exemplified.
Ultimately, Advent presents a scriptural roadmap that leads us to embrace the mystery of the Incarnation, the extraordinary moment when the divine intersected with humanity. This season not only prepares us to celebrate the birth of Jesus but also calls us to live in hopeful expectation of His glorious return. In this way, Advent becomes a transformative journey, encouraging us to deepen our faith and renew our commitment to live in accordance with God's will.
Dr Nicholas Macedon, OCD,
Jeeva Jyothi Carmelite Institute of Spirituality (JJCIS),
Old Gandarvakottai,
Pudukottai - 613301.
Tamil Nadu, India
What's app - +91 - 9698453101
Very detailed insight into the features of Advent. Thanks Father. God bless you 🙏
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