Advent Daily Catholic Resources | FORMED (2024)

FAQs

What are Advent Catholic answers? ›

Not so much for the birth of Christ, but rather for something yet to come. Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” It is the season preceding Christmas, encompassing at least the four Sundays prior to December 25.

In the context of the Christian faith, it represents our celebration of the first coming of Christ and our anticipation of his second coming. The birth of the Messiah was promised in the Old Testament and was anticipated by God's people for a very long time.

Many Catholics have noticed that the Gloria is not recited at Masses during Advent or Lent.

John the Baptist called the Jews as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah. Because the Gloria is a prayer of joy, it is suppressed during Advent and is not heard until the vigil Mass of Christmas Eve.

Other variations of the themes celebrated on each of the four Sundays include: The Prophets' Candle, symbolizing hope; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith; the Shepherds' Candle, symbolizing joy; the Angel's Candle, symbolizing peace. Hope–Love–Joy–Peace.

In order to emphasize the penitential nature of that journey, the Catholic Church, during Lent, removes the Alleluia from the Mass. We no longer sing with the choirs of angels; instead, we acknowledge our sins and practice repentance so that one day we may again have the privilege of worshiping God as the angels do.

It is simply that Advent calls to mind three “comings” of Christ: the first in history, the second now, and the third at the end of time.

The readings for the final Sunday of Advent present us with three essential lessons. First, in the Biblical perspective, great things come from the small; second, never ever give up hope; and third, trust always in the power of God. These are the lessons of Micah, Elizabeth, and Mary.

Advent is the beginning of the spiritual year for these churches, and it's observed the four Sundays before Christmas Day. Spiritually, it's meant as a celebration of the Earthly birth of Jesus around 2,000 years ago but also a preparation and anticipation for the second coming of Christ.

In these challenging times, Advent teaches us (just as it has for thousands of believers before us) the value of patience, hope, and faith. It's a season that encourages us to hold on to our faith in Christ Jesus that, even in the darkest of moments, we have the victory over the troubles of this world in Him.

What is the most important candle in Advent? ›

The first candle symbolizes a shining light in anticipation of the coming of Christ. It is usually a purple candle and can be called the Prophecy Candle. It represents God's forgiveness of man's sins. Purple is traditionally the most important of the Advent candle colors.

Advent is a time to embrace living “between the times.” Advent reminds us that we live in an “in-between time”: that is, between the flesh-and-blood incarnation of Jesus Christ into the world in a particular time and place, and the second coming of the Lord and King Jesus Christ in power and glory.

For Western Christians of the Catholic and Lutheran traditions, Advent signifies preparation for a threefold coming of Christ: firstly in the Incarnation at Bethlehem, then in a perpetual sacramental presence in the Eucharist, and thirdly at his Second Coming and final judgement.

The most common Advent themes are hope, peace, joy, and love. Some traditions include lighting a different candle on a wreath each Sunday of Advent and reflecting a different theme.

Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 (St.