The Season of Advent
Advent is a season of waiting. Not passive waiting, but an active, hopeful, prayerful posture of the heart. The Advent wreath, with its circle of evergreen and gentle candlelight, becomes a powerful symbol of this season. It reminds us of God’s eternal love, fully revealed in the coming of Christ, breaking into our darkness.
What Is Advent?
Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a sacred journey.
During these four weeks, the Church invites us to slow down and breathe. To lift our eyes from the rush of the season and remember what, and who, we are truly waiting for. Advent stirs within us a longing for God’s presence, a renewed hope in His promises, and a deeper readiness for Christ who comes to us in three beautiful ways:
- In history: born in Bethlehem, the Word made flesh.
- In mystery: present to us now in prayer, Scripture, and especially the Eucharist.
- In majesty: returning at the end of time, when God will make all things new.
Symbols of the Season
The Advent Wreath
The evergreens remind us of God’s unchanging love. The circular shape speaks of eternity. Each candle marks our progress through the season, week by week, as the light grows brighter and our hearts draw nearer to Christ.
The Colours of Advent
Purple invites us to reflect, prepare, and repent. On the third Sunday, rose calls us to rejoice because the Lord is near.
Traditions That Shape Us
Advent traditions help us create space for Christ amid the noise of daily life. Some simple ways to live this season include:
- Lighting the Advent wreath at home and praying together.
- Using a Jesse Tree to trace God’s promises through Scripture.
- Setting up the Nativity scene and adding the figures slowly.
- Choosing small acts of charity or kindness as a family.
A Season of Hope
More than anything, Advent strengthens our hope.
- Hope that God is at work.
- Hope that Christ brings light into every shadow.
- Hope that the promises of God are true for us, right now.
May this season help you prepare not only for Christmas Day, but for a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ, who enters our world and our hearts with saving love.