Advent - A Time of Joyful Anticipation

By TOM DENNEHY

The Advent season is a four week period before Christmas that celebrates with anticipation the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. It is a time when we can reflect on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth. It is a time for our communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, music, and good deeds what the true meaning of the birth of Jesus is all about. The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of shopping and parties and instead focus on how we should commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in our Catholic faith.

The Advent Wreath

The evergreen wreath and candles are full of symbolism associated with the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the eternal life we find in Christ.

The individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meaning that can be adopted to our faith. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering. The pine, holly and yew signify immortality and cedar signifies strength and healing. The pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection. The wreath, as a whole, is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.

Advent Candles

The four coloured candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one additional candle is lit each Sunday. The flames of the candles are a representation of the Christmas light approaching, bringing hope and peace in the struggle against darkness.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes Hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets , especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

The second candle, also purple, represents Faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” to remind us of the journey travelled by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

The third candle symbolizes Joy. It called the “Candle of the Shepherds” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.

The fourth, the final purple candle, is lit on the fourth week to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This “Candle of the Angels”, symbolizes Peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels; “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

The last candle, white, is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the Life of Christ. The colour white is for purity because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.

Our Holy Mass readings during Advent have three distinct themes.

1. The second coming of Jesus when He will come again into our world and establish His kingdom on earth, a kingdom of joy, peace and love.

2. Preparation for our death and our meeting with Jesus. It reminds us to be ready when that day comes as we do not know the day or the hour.

3. Our preparation to welcome Jesus into our world and into our hearts -- born as a little baby in a stable at Bethlehem.

How do we prepare for Advent?

Spend some time in prayer each day. Light our own Advent candle. Read the first two chapters of the Gospel of St. Luke which gives an account of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Make a special effort to get to Mass as often as possible even if you have not been there for some time. The Eucharist is the bread of life and the spiritual life of our souls.

Spend time in Adoration and let Jesus truly present in the blessed Sacrament speak to your heart. Go to confession and have your souls cleansed as white as snow. Make donations to worthy charities.

Visit someone who may be lonely and may be suffering the pain of bereavement at this time.

Let our hearts be ready to welcome Jesus on Christmas morning.

He is Emmanuel, God with us.

Medjugorje Message Nov 25, 1993

“Dear Children; I invite you in this time, like never before, to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Let little Jesus reign in your hearts and only then, when Jesus is your friend will you be happy.”