Advent is a significant liturgical season in the Catholic Church that prepares the faithful for the the celebration of Christmas and the anticipation of Christ's Second Coming. 

Overview of Advent: Advent marks the beginning of the Church's liturgical year (Happy New Year!) and last for four weeks, starting on the Sunday closest to November 30th and ending on Christmas Eve, December 24th. The term "Advent" comes from the Latin word “adventus," meaning “coming” or "arrival," signifying the anticipation of Christ's birth and His eventual return.   

Purpose and Significance: Advent serves a dual purpose: Preparation for the birth of Christ, It is a time to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the arrival of Jesus Christ, reflecting on the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in Christ.  

Call to Conversion: Advent is also a season of introspection and renewal, encouraging the faithful to acknowledge their shortcomings and open themselves to God's grace through pray er, fasting, and almsgiving.   

Traditions and Practices: Liturgical Color: The primary color for Advent is purple, symbolizing penance and prepaation. On the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, rose is used to signify joy.   

Advent Wreath:   A traditional Advent wreath consists of four candles, representing the four weeks of Advent. Three candles are purple, and one is rose, symbolizing hope, peace, joy and love. The progressive light ing of the candles reflects the growing anticipation of Christ's coming.   

O Antiphons: During the final days of Advent, the "O Antiphons" are sung, which are ancient prayers that express the longing for the Messiah.   

Spiritual Focus: Advent invites the faithful to engage in spiritual practices such as increased spiritual practices such as increased prayer, reflection, and participation in the sacramental life of the   Church. It encourages a deeper connection to faith and a commitment to acts of charity as a way to prepa re for the coming of Christ.   

In summary, Advent is a profound season of preparation, reflection, and anticipation that enrich es the spiritual journey of Catholics as they prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and look for ward to His return. During this Advent, we may also look to other Catholic traditions to grow our faith— from the Advent calendar filled with chocolates to the Jesse Tree decorated with Old Testament items— all of which draws us deeper into Christ, the breath, depth and fullness of our Catholic faith.   

Blessed Advent to all!                               Source: USCCB Advent 2025