What is the Meaning of Advent?

Advent is a time of preparation. In the Christian faith, it is time to prepare for the birth of Jesus. This may seem silly to some non-believers since Jesus was already born. Much like we celebrate the birth of each human being, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Fr. Mike Schmitz explains more here.

What is Advent?

Advent begins the Church’s liturgical year. The four Sundays, along with the weekdays, comprise the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation for Christmas. It is also time to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It is a time for us to prepare both our hearts and our minds for the full joy of Christmas.

I often utilize the United States Council of Catholic Bishops’ website as a resource. There is a wonderful article with resources shared there. Please do reference it for more in depth information about Advent. 

When is Advent?

An article on Hallow explains the details of when Advent is. Advent is always the four Sundays before Christmas. In 2024, Advent is December 1-24. A little background of when Advent starts is Advent always begins on a Sunday and includes three other Sundays leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, this first Sunday of Advent is always the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle on November 30, whether before or after. This year, the Feast of St. Andrew is on a Wednesday, so the first Sunday of Advent precedes the apostle’s feast day.

Why Celebrate Advent?

When conducting a Google search of what is Advent, the following definition arises, “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” The Merriam-Webster definitions follow. The top two are “1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting, 2 a: the coming of Christ at the Incarnation (see incarnation sense 3b(1)) b: second coming”

As Christians, both the Birth and the Second Coming are important events. Preparation is always key for something that is important. With the world as it is today, it is becoming more and more difficult to truly be a good Christian. Why? Because we give in to society and its standards. When you properly prepare for something, it is much easier to stay on the track that you have determined to be on. It will be easier to make and live the choices that align with your beliefs. One of my favorite Chritian music artists, Toby Mac, inspired me to write, “Don’t Gain the Whole World Just to Lose Your Soul.” His song, “Lose My Soul,” inspires me every day to live my Christian beliefs.

How to Celebrate Advent?

There are many ways to celebrate Advent. Most importantly, we need to prepare the Way for the Lord by opening our heart and mind. We can decorate our house, our office and even ourselves with special clothing and jewelry. We can read the Bible, spend time on scriptural reflections and attend church services. With digital access, there are a ton of videos, audios and books you can utilize. BUT, if your heart and mind are not open, your actions will show it. 

Remember during the Advent Season, be kind, be prayerful, be helpful and treat people with dignity and respect. Don’t get caught up in the commercial hype that encourages us to put ourselves and material things first. Put God first. Always.

Symbols and Customs of Advent

The Catholic Apostolate Center has some great resources for advent. In an online article, they talk about the symbols and customs of advent. They are:

1. Advent Wreath-It is a green wreath into a circle with 4 candles in it.This symbolizes hope and eternal life.
2. Advent Candles-There are four candles. Three are purple and one is a rose pink color. These candles represent the four weeks of Advent.
3. The Jesse Tree-This is used as a symbol to explain the Old Testament connection between Adam, Abraham and Jesus as explained in Gospels of Matthew and Luke. this one is not that commonly used.
4. Advent Calendar-This is a popular tool used to visualize the time of preparation for Christ to come into our lives. This, too, has become highly commercialized.
5. Giving Tree-This custom has communities decorate a tree with tags that indicate gifts needed for children in need. It is intended to remind Christians of the teaching of Jesus, “ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25:40)
6. Nativity Scene-This is used to celebrate the birth of Christ.  Traditionally, baby Jjesus should not be placed at the scene until His birth on Christmas day. Some people even depict the Wisemen as traveling there by setting them a distance away and placing them closer each day..

Prepare Yourself

During the Season of Advent, always remember to keep your heart and mind open. Truly receive the message that Jesus has sent and represents to us daily. Be the reason someone finds Jesus. Utilize prayer, reading scripture, listening to reflections, church services and acts of kindness to grow with Jesus. Embrace the season of preparation. Embrace Advent.