Advent is a special season in the Catholic Church, marking the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Derived from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming,” Advent is a time for preparing our hearts for Christ’s birth.
While the world often jumps straight into Christmas festivities come December 1st, Advent invites us to live more spiritually by waiting and preparing with purpose. It’s an opportunity to embrace the reflective nature of this season and let our hearts anticipate the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus.
What is Advent’s History?
Advent has been celebrated since the 4th or 5th century as a time for fasting and preparation, much like Lent. Over time, it has evolved into a season for getting our hearts ready for Christmas.
Advent is divided into two parts: From the start of Advent until December 16th, we focus on preparing for Christ’s second coming, reminding us to remain vigilant and hopeful. Then, from December 17th through Christmas Eve, we shift to joyfully anticipating Christ’s birth.
Check out our Advent playlist, featuring a list of diverse songs from genres spanning from traditional to pop.
Symbols and Themes of Advent
A beloved tradition during Advent is the Advent wreath, made of evergreen branches symbolizing God’s eternal love. The wreath holds four candles—three purple and one pink—each representing a week of Advent.
As we light a candle each week, we reflect on different themes:
- Hope: The first candle, or the Prophecy Candle, symbolizes the hope found in Christ’s coming, reminding us to keep our hope alive.
- Peace: The second candle, known as the Bethlehem Candle, represents the peace Christ brings, encouraging us to seek peace in our hearts and the world.
- Joy: The pink candle, lit on the third Sunday, signifies joy, marking our approach to celebrating Christ’s birth.
- Love: The fourth candle, the Angel’s Candle, stands for the love God showed by sending His Son, reminding us to love others as Christ loves us.
Sometimes, a fifth candle is added in the center of the wreath. It is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World.
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Preparing Our Hearts for Christ
Preparing for Advent goes beyond decorating; it’s about making space in our hearts for Jesus. As Catholics, we’re invited to use this time for spiritual renewal through prayer, confession, or reflecting on Christ’s meaning in our lives. Just as Mary and Joseph prepared for Jesus, we, too, are called to welcome Him into our lives.
A Time of Waiting and Anticipation
In our fast-paced world, waiting is often unwelcome, but Advent teaches us that waiting is a spiritual practice. Like the Israelites who awaited the Messiah, we are called to wait with patience and hope.
So, while the world rushes into holiday festivities, let this season guide you toward a deeper spiritual life. Take this time to slow down, reconnect with God, and prepare to receive the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Additional Resources
The next step now is to get the music playing check out our list of can’t-miss Advent songs.
Listen to our podcast episode on preparing for Advent, live from last year’s SEEK conference.
Enjoy this four week series on “Living Advent” on our Youtube channel, with videos from Priscilla Garza with three ways to prepare our hearts, Sr. Maris Stella, SV on hope and waiting, Fr. Boniface’s reflection on an ache for something infinite, and Curtis Martin on how to live beyond Christmas.
Listen to a conversation on Advent with Curtis Martin and Jonathan Roumie from The Chosen here!
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