What is Advent?
For most Christian churches, the Advent season begins on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas Day. As the day of the week that we celebrate Christmas changes, Advent may therefore start at the end of November or at the beginning of December. This year it starts on the first of December.
Fun fact: This is also the date for the Catholic Church’s New ‘Liturgical’ Year.
Why is Advent important?
Advent means arrival in Latin. Therefore, it is seen as a time of expectant hope, waiting and preparation, for the arrival of Jesus Christ, the longed-for Messiah and King, at Christmas for Christians around the world. For some it is a time of ‘getting right’ with people, family and friends, and healing brokenness to get the heart ready for hope, peace, love, and joy.
How many days does Advent go for?
As Advent is reliant on the day of the week that Christmas Day (25 December) lands on each year, it will depend on that. So, it can be 24 days (as it is this year) to 28 days (as it was last year).
Why is the colour purple significant during Advent?
Colours have always played an important part in the liturgical life of the church. Whilst for most of the world the customary Christmas colours are red and green, purple is used by the Church. It can represent repentance and penance, but for Advent it can also represent joyful hope.
What is the significance of the Advent wreath?
Advent Wreaths are a popular devotion. They have four candles within a circle of greenery and have become a symbol of Christmas preparations in many places, including our homes, workplaces and shopping centres. However, its main purpose is to light a candle each Sunday to recall the various stages of salvation history prior to Christ's coming.
Why does one Advent candle have a different colour?
Whilst three of the four candles are purple, in keeping with the Advent season, the third Sunday’s candle is rose/pink coloured. Sometimes known as Gaudete (rejoice in Latin) Sunday, it represents joy, calling us to rejoice, as the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus is coming soon.
Why are Christmas Carols such a big thing at Christmas?
Who doesn’t love to sing! Carols were originally sung to celebrate the four seasons. Christianity repurposed them for Christmas to help bring people into reflective times of devotion (for me it’s O Holy Night) and times of celebration (think Hark, the Herald Angels), in the lead up to Christmas. It remains to this day a wonderful, generational gathering, to sing joy into the world.
Why are Nativity Scenes a popular custom during Advent?
Nativity scenes show Jesus’ humble birth. It resonates with people, especially children. It is a reminder of God’s love for humanity where He chose to become a part of our history. It reflects the Gospel messages of birth, life, death and resurrection that Jesus’ birth brings. It also universally reflects love, peace, and humility. These values make its popularity extend beyond the Christian community, making it a global symbol of the season.
What's all the fuss about Santa Clause, or should I say St Nicholas?
Grounded in tradition and culture, you won’t, however, normally see Santa at Mass. Santa Clause isn’t a world-wide tradition, nor does every country call the character Santa Clause. Legend has it that the original Santa was a monk (or bishop) of Myra, now situated in modern day Türkiye, called Saint (Santa) Nicholas (Clause), and was generous person. St. Nicholas was canonized in 1446, and known as the patron saint for children and sailors.
I am not Catholic; how can I get involved with Advent?
You don’t have to be Catholic to get involved. Chances are you already have been getting involved. You just didn’t realise. You could set up an Advent wreath in your home, invest in a nativity scene, use an Advent calendar to count down the days (I recommend the ones with chocolate) or go do some carolling. Maybe head to Church and see it decked out in its purple finery. Reflect on how you can bring love, peace and humility to those you meet, especially at this time where many find themselves in difficult times.
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