Pastor’s Corner fort eh Solemnity of Christ, King of the Universe, Year B, by Fr. Russell Pollitt SJ
Do we care about Advent?
The liturgical season of Advent begins next Sunday. It is a period Christians observe as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s Nativity at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The term “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” It marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year and encompasses the four Sundays and weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
The season is characterised by themes of hope, anticipation, and reflection on the dual aspects of Christ’s coming—as the infant Jesus in Bethlehem and the glorious King in the future.
Liturgically, Advent is observed with purple or violet, traditionally associated with penitence, fasting, and preparation. In some traditions, the colour blue is used to signify hope and expectation. The mood of Advent is often subdued and contemplative.
During this time, Christians are encouraged to engage in spiritual practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving to prepare spiritually for the arrival of Christ.
The Church has a rich tradition of Advent songs—we are only supposed to sing Christmas carols at Christmas, not during Advent!
The “O Antiphons” are a series of antiphons chanted or recited at Vespers, the evening prayer service in the Christian tradition, during the last seven days of Advent. Each antiphon is a title for the Messiah, and they are drawn from the Old Testament prophecies of Isaiah, reflecting the longing for the coming of Christ, who is seen as the fulfilment of these prophecies. These antiphons are significant in the liturgical tradition leading up to Christmas Eve. They are also the basis for the popular hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” each verse corresponding to one of these names and prophecies.
The Advent wreath, a circular garland of evergreen branches with four candles representing the four weeks of the season, is a visual reminder that we are approaching Christmas. Each candle is lit on successive Sundays. In many traditions, three of these candles are purple, and one is pink. The latter is usually lit on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. The pink candle represents joy and a hint that Christmas is near.
The scriptural readings during Advent focus on prophetic passages from the Old Testament, particularly from Isaiah, and New Testament passages about John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry.
Overall, Advent is a season rich in symbolism, tradition, and spiritual significance. It offers a time for Christians to reflect on the deep themes of expectation and fulfilment, past and future. By focusing on preparation, Advent allows believers to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas and the greater hope of Christ’s future return.
What will you do to make Advent real this year?