Hey Deacon!

Advent is one of the most beautiful and meaningful seasons in the Catholic Church, yet it’s often overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations – shopping, setting out a “calendar” of hidden chocolates, and untangling strings of Christmas lights. Advent can seem more like a four-week journey on a whirlwind roller coaster rather than a season of waiting and longing for the Messiah.

The word Advent comes from the Latin ad-venire, meaning “to come to” or “arrival.” It marks the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year and spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. While many think of it simply as a countdown to December 25, Advent is much more than that—it’s a sacred time of waiting, hope, and preparation.

 At its heart, Advent is about preparing for the coming of Christ in three distinct ways. First, we remember His first coming over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, when the Son of God took on human flesh to save us.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Advent aims to rekindle "ancient expectancy of the Messiah … by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming."

Besides reflecting on Jesus’ role in salvation history, we also prepare our hearts for His coming into our lives here and now—through prayer, the sacraments, and acts of love.  And finally, we look forward to His second coming at the end of time, when He will return in glory to judge the living and the dead. 

This threefold focus makes Advent a season of both joy and solemnity. It’s a time to rejoice in the gift of salvation, but also to reflect on our lives and turn back to God where we’ve strayed.

 The Symbols of Advent

One of the most recognizable symbols of the season is the Advent wreath. Traditionally made of evergreen branches, it holds four candles; three purple and one rose. The purple candles represent penance and preparation, while the rose candle, lit on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday), symbolizes joy as we draw nearer to Christmas. Each week, the lighting of a new candle reminds us that the Light of the World is coming closer.

Other traditions include the Advent calendar, which helps mark the days until Christmas, and the Jesse Tree, which tells the story of salvation history through symbols and Scripture. These practices are not just decorative—they are meant to draw us deeper into the mystery of God’s plan.

 Living Advent Well

In a culture that often rushes straight from Thanksgiving to Christmas, Advent invites us to slow down. The Church encourages prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of charity during this time. Many Catholics attend daily Mass, pray a novena (St. Andrew Prayer), or take part in reconciliation to prepare their hearts.

Fasting or simplifying our lives during Advent can also help us focus on what truly matters. By resisting the urge to fill every moment with noise and activity, we make space for Christ to enter.

Advent is not just a prelude to Christmas—it’s a season with its own beauty and purpose. It teaches us how to wait with hope, how to prepare with intention, and how to welcome Christ not only into our homes but into our hearts.

When we embrace Advent fully, Christmas becomes more than a single day of celebration—it becomes the joyful culmination of a season spent drawing closer to the One who is our greatest gift.