Understanding the True Meaning of Advent - Ask a Marian

Summary

Father Chris Aylar explains the deeper meaning of Advent, emphasizing its role in preparing for three key comings of Christ: His birth at Christmas, His second coming at the end of time, and His daily presence in the Eucharist. Advent is a season of prayer, fasting, and penance, mirroring the practices of Lent. The Advent wreath, purple vestments, and sacrificial acts symbolize spiritual preparation. Father Chris encourages reflection on Christ's coming, both now and in the future, and highlights the importance of confession during this season of expectation and renewal.

Takeaways

• 😀 Advent is not only about preparing for the birth of Jesus, but also about preparing for His second coming and His daily presence in our hearts through Holy Communion.
• 😀 Advent marks the beginning of the new liturgical year in the Church, starting with the Sunday nearest the Feast of Saint Andrew on November 30th.
• 😀 Advent is a time of prayer, fasting, penance, and spiritual reform, much like Lent, preparing the heart for the joy of Christmas.
• 😀 The purple vestments worn by priests during Advent symbolize penitence and preparation, with a distinction from Lent, where the color is a reddish purple representing the Passion of Christ.
• 😀 Advent has a rich symbolism, with the Advent wreath representing eternity and victory, using evergreen to signify eternal life and the candles symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.
• 😀 During Advent, it is recommended to engage in personal sacrifice—such as giving up certain comforts and contributing time, treasure, and talent to God.
• 😀 The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday, where the priest wears rose-colored vestments to mark a joyful pause in the season of penance.
• 😀 Christmas decorations should ideally be set up before Christmas Day as the Christmas season begins then, not ends, on December 25th.
• 😀 Confession is strongly recommended during Advent to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ, with a suggestion to confess at least once during Advent and Lent.
• 😀 Advent is a time to reflect on being spiritually awake and vigilant, with the coming of Christ in the Eucharist being a key indicator of preparedness for His second coming.

Q & A

What is the deeper meaning of Advent beyond preparing for the birth of Jesus at Christmas?

Advent has a deeper meaning as it prepares for the coming of Christ in three ways: His birth at Christmas, His second coming at the end of time, and His daily coming into our hearts through Holy Communion.

What does the word 'Advent' mean, and when does it start?

The word 'Advent' is Latin for 'to come to.' It begins with the Sunday nearest the Feast of Saint Andrew, which falls on November 30th.

How long does Advent last, and what does it signify in the church calendar?

Advent lasts for four Sundays and marks the beginning of a new liturgical year in the church calendar.

What is the symbolic meaning of Advent preparation, and how does it relate to the actions of Mary at Cana?

Advent is a time of preparing ourselves spiritually. It involves emptying ourselves, like the jars at Cana, so that Christ can fill us with the wine of the Holy Spirit.

How is Advent related to fasting and penance, and how does it compare to Lent?

Advent is a season of prayer, fasting, and penance, much like Lent. Both seasons involve reforming our lives and preparing for a joyful event—Christmas for Advent and Easter for Lent.

What is the significance of the colors and vestments worn during Advent?

During Advent, priests wear purple vestments, symbolizing penance and preparation. The purple used in Advent is a bluish shade, called 'royal purple,' which represents Mary, while Lent uses a reddish-purple, called 'Roman purple,' symbolizing the Passion of Christ.

How should Christians observe penance during Advent?

Christians should observe Advent by making sacrifices for God, such as giving of time, treasure, and talent. It is also a good time to practice fasting and prayer.

What is Gaudete Sunday, and why is it celebrated during Advent?

Gaudete Sunday, celebrated on the third Sunday of Advent, is a day of joy. It marks the halfway point of Advent and represents the nearing of Christ's coming. The priest wears rose-colored vestments, signifying the joy of Christ's imminent arrival.

What is the significance of the Advent wreath?

The Advent wreath symbolizes eternity and victory. It is made of evergreen to represent immortal life, and its circular shape reflects God's eternal nature. The purple candles represent repentance, while the rose candle symbolizes joy.

Why is confession emphasized during Advent, and how often should Catholics go to confession?

Confession is emphasized during Advent as a way to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ. Catholics are encouraged to go to confession at least once during Advent and Lent, although monthly confession is recommended.