WHAT IS ADVENT? WHY DO WE OBSERVE IT?

The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word Parousia. Christians often speak of Christ’s “first advent” as a baby in the manger and “second advent” (second coming) as a judge in glory. Advent is a period for devout and joyful expectation. It was not until the middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas. Today, the Advent season lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The Sundays of this season are named the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Advent. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. It is observed as a time of penance, prayer and renewal of life preparing ourselves for the rebirth of Jesus in our lives. The purple or violet color of advent vestments used by priests signifies seriousness, repentance, and royalty. The color rose may be used in joyful expectation, on Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent). The Advent wreath is a ring or wheel of evergreens decorated with four or five candles in the center. The wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ. God Bless! Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti