Advent is the season when the Church slows down to wait for Christ. For four weeks before Christmas, we remember his first coming in Bethlehem, prepare our hearts to receive him now, and look ahead to his return in glory. Here is what Advent means, how it began, and how we can live it.
Historical or Theological Context
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” In the fourth and fifth centuries, Christians in Spain and Gaul observed periods of prayer and penance in preparation for major feasts, including Epiphany. Advent emerged as a distinct liturgical season in Rome during the sixth century, and its length varied over time before the four-Sunday structure became established. The Church holds two meanings together. Until December 16, the liturgy turns our eyes to Christ’s return at the end of time. From December 17 to 24, it leads us straight to Bethlehem. That is why the Gospel on the first Sunday always calls us to stay awake and ready. Advent is also the start of the Church’s liturgical year, so every year begins with waiting, not with arriving.
What Advent Means for Us Today
Waiting with hope, not just counting days
Advent teaches us that waiting is part of faith. We are not simply counting down to a holiday. We are learning to expect Christ in the ordinary hours of our lives: in Scripture, in the sacraments, and in the people who need us.
A season of quiet preparation
The liturgical color of Advent is violet, a sign of preparation. On the third Sunday, called Gaudete Sunday, rose vestments may be used. The name means “rejoice,” reminding us that the Lord is near.
The four weeks and the wreath
Many of us light one more candle each Sunday on the Advent wreath. A common custom gives the four weeks the names hope, peace, joy and love. It is a family tradition, not a rule of the liturgy, but it helps us pray with the same rhythm every year.
- First Week of Advent: Hope
- Second Week of Advent: Peace
- Third Week of Advent: Joy
- Fourth Week of Advent: Love
Mary and the saints who walk with us
Advent is Mary’s season. We keep the Immaculate Conception on December 8, with a novena and a short prayer for the day, and Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Saints like Nicholas and Lucy light the way toward the Child.
Practical Ways to Live This Teaching
- Light the wreath. One candle more each Sunday, with a short prayer at dinner.
- Read the Sunday Gospel ahead. Five minutes before Mass lets the readings find us ready.
- Go to Confession. Many parishes add penance services in the weeks before Christmas.
- Choose one act of mercy a week. A visit, a phone call, a gift for someone in need.
- Pray a novena of the season. The Immaculate Conception novena and the Christmas novena fit these weeks naturally.
- Keep ten quiet minutes a day. No screen, just silence and one verse of Scripture.
- Let Christmas arrive slowly. Add the crib, the tree and the music little by little, so December 25 still feels like an arrival.
Scripture for Advent
Four short verses to carry through the season (King James Version, public domain):
- “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” (Isaiah 40:3) The prophet’s call is the heart of the first weeks.
- “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42) The Gospel of vigilance.
- “Rejoice in the Lord alway.” (Philippians 4:4) The word that gives Gaudete Sunday its name.
- “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20) The Advent prayer in four words.
A Short Advent Prayer
Lord Jesus,
you came to us in Bethlehem
and you will come again in glory.
Teach us to wait for you
with open hands and watchful hearts.
Quiet the noise around us.
Make us ready to see you
in the poor, in your Word,
and in the sacraments.
Mary, Mother of the Word made flesh,
walk with us through these weeks.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Related Articles
- Christmas Novena. Nine days of prayer, from December 16 to 24.
- Immaculate Conception Novena. Nine days with Mary, leading to the feast on December 8.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe. The story and devotion behind the feast on December 12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, the feast of Saint Andrew, and ends on Christmas Eve. It always includes four Sundays, so it lasts between 22 and 28 days.
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. It is the season in which we prepare for the coming of Christ: his birth in Bethlehem, his presence in our lives today, and his return in glory.
Three candles are violet and one, lit on the third Sunday, is rose. A common custom names them hope, peace, joy and love, but this is a family tradition and the names can vary from one home or parish to another.
The priest wears violet, the Gloria is not sung on Sundays, and the readings speak of waiting and watchfulness. On the third Sunday, rose vestments may be used.
Yes. The first Sunday of Advent begins the liturgical year, so the Church year starts with waiting rather than with a celebration.
