Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading to the celebration of Christmas.
Advent is the season to focus Christians’ attention in the Rosary of the Joyful Mysteries in which the imagination aids them in their effort to appreciate with ever-greater devotion the silent and strong faith of Joseph, the loving trust and selfless care of Our Lady, and the ultimately unfathomable mystery of God’s love, revealed when the God’s Word became flesh and made his dwelling among them.
To Catholics, the Advent season holds significant spiritual and liturgical importance. It marks the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is observed on Christmas Day. There are several key aspects of the Advent season that hold particular significance to Catholics.
According to Seminarian Benjamin Turinawe, Advent is a time when Catholics focus on the themes of anticipation and hope. It serves as a period of joyful expectation, as they prepare their hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, not only in commemoration of the historical event of his birth but also in anticipation of his return in glory.
“Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the nativity of Christ at Christmas and return of Christ at the second coming. Observing advent teaches us the value of patience, hope and faith. It is a season that encourages us to hold our faith in Christ Jesus that even in the darkest moments, we have Victory over the troubles of this world in Him,” Sem. Turinawe.
He said that during Advent, Catholics engage in spiritual reflection and preparation. They are encouraged to focus on the spiritual significance of the Incarnation and to prepare themselves through prayer, self-examination, and acts of charity. It is a time for Catholics to deepen their faith and seek spiritual renewal as they await the coming of Christ.
The liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church includes specific prayers, readings, and liturgical colors for the Advent season. These elements help to guide Catholics through a period of spiritual preparation and reflection as they anticipate the celebration of Christmas.
Historically, one of the central symbols of Advent for Catholics is the Advent wreath. This wreath typically consists of four candles, which are lit successively on each of the four Sundays of Advent, with a fifth candle lit on Christmas Day. The candles represent the increasing light of Christ coming into the world.
Like the season of Lent, Advent has a penitential character as Catholics are called to examine themselves in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. This self-examination and repentance are a central part of the Advent season.
Overall, Advent holds deep spiritual significance for Catholics as it marks a time of anticipation, preparation, reflection, and hope as they look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It provides an opportunity for believers to deepen their faith and reorient their hearts toward the coming of Christ.
