![]() This penitential dimension is expressed through the color purple, but also through the restrained manner of decorating the church and altar: "During Advent the floral decoration of the altar should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord… the use of the organ and other musical instruments should be marked by a moderation…" (GIRM n. Also Advent (like Lent) includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. The liturgical color for Advent is purple, just like Lent-as both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight.Ĥ0. Advent begins with First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Sunday that falls on or closest to November 30 and it ends before First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of Christmas.Ĥ1. The Sundays of this time of year are named the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Advent.Ĥ2. The weekdays from December 17 up to and including December 24 are ordered in a more direct way to preparing for the Nativity of the Lord. More Advent resources are listed below.ģ9. Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. Our Advent calendar above can help you fully enter into the season with daily activity and prayer suggestions to prepare you spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ. In particular, the "O" Antiphons are sung during this period and have been by the Church since at least the eighth century. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming of Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but of present ones as well.Īdvent devotions including the Advent wreath, remind us of the meaning of the season. The final 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. ![]() Aside from what the priest wears, other aesthetic changes in the Church can include a more modestly decorated altar. ![]() For instance, the priest wears violet or purple during Advent, except for the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn (GIRM, no. Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.Īs we prepare for Christmas, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes some differences to the Mass that should be observed during the season. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. ![]() Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas. ![]()
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