Reflections in Advent and Christmas – Paperback

Advent is one of my favorite liturgical seasons. The word Advent comes from the Latin “Adventus” meaning “coming.” Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming of our Lord Jesus in two aspects. First, in the celebration of His birth at Bethlehem and most notably in His second coming when He returns in glory at the end of time. The Second Coming of Christ is often overlooked when approaching the Christmas season, but if we look at some of the traditional songs, this doctrine is captured in a few famous carols. An example of this is with “Joy to the World” by Issac Watts. This carol references the Second Coming. Based on Psalm 98, it speaks of Christ’s glorious return and brings out an eschatological perspective.

Advent also has a penitential feel to it and violet is the liturgical color signifying this. As in Lent, we also wear violet in Advent with the exception on the 3rd Sunday of Advent which is Gaudete Sunday when rose is worn. Even though Advent is not as intense as Lent, nonetheless we as Catholics practice self-denial and mortification as we wait and prepare for our Lord and Bridegroom.

All this leads to Christmas, which is the second highest solemnity in the Church after Easter. Christmas is not just a culmination of Advent but has its own Liturgical season with an 8-day octave. The Universal Norms states that, “After the annual celebration of the Paschal Mystery, the Church has no more ancient custom than celebrating the memorial of the Nativity of the Lord and of his first manifestations, and this takes place in Christmas time,” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the General Roman Calendar, 32).

I pray these short reflections and meditations will be an aid in deepening our preparation and love for our Lord Jesus as we await His final coming in glory!

Sincerely in Jesu et Maria!

Deacon Brian.