Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year. While it expresses the deep longing of all humanity for God, it celebrates the three-fold coming of the Lord: remembering the events that surrounded the Lord’s coming long ago, celebrating his coming among us today, and looking forward to his final coming in glory.

Advent is a season of devout and joyful expectation. Its four Sundays (with its actual length determined by the weekday of Christmas) highlight our desire and longing for peace, justice and unity.

The first part of Advent looks forward to the parousia, the Lord’s glorious return at the end of time and reflects on his presence among us today.

The second part is a direct preparation for Christmas the yearly commemoration of Jesus’ coming among us in human flesh.

Advent Practices

Over the centuries people have developed customs which help us to live according to the spirit of this season. You may want to try one or more of these in your home.

• Advent wreath. A wreath of evergreens with four candles is prepared. One candle is lighted on the first Sunday, and one more on each of the following Sundays.
• Jesse tree. A branch or large plant is decorated with symbols of Christ’s ancestors. As each is prepared and hung, the story of this person is told.
• Advent calendar. We may make a calendar to mark the days as we move gradually to the celebration of our saviour’s coming.
• Cards. When buying and sending Christmas cards, we make sure they reflect the meaning of the feast. It is the birth of Christ (not of Santa, reindeer, puppies, or snowmen) that we are celebrating.
• Decorations. Our home decorations may include a cross of lights in the window or near the tree.
• Gifts. Instead of being caught up in a whirl of spending, consider giving presents that you yourself make, knit, sew, cook, draw, write or construct. Give a book that will lead a person to reflect a little more. Make a donation to a worthy cause in someone’s name. Write, call or visit someone who is sick or shut in.
• Preparing the crib. During the last few days before Christmas, we may prepare the crib in a place of honour in our home. It remains empty; the figures are not placed in it until Christmas comes.