Tag Archives: advent

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Photo:Public Domain

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Today Christians celebrate the fourth and final Sunday in Advent. The liturgy will often include Old Testament readings from Micah (5:1-4) or Isaiah (7:10) that contain the prophecies about how God will send Jesus to come among the people and stop the enemies that are plaguing his people. A second reading, such as from Hebrews (10:5-10), will be used to show how Jesus came to fulfill God’s will and defeating the enemy that separates us from him. Finally, the Gospel, often from Luke about Mary visiting Elizabeth, will be read to show a parallel to the Ark of the Covenant. As the Ark contained the Ten Commandments-the word of God-Mary contains the son of God in her body. Elizabeth exclaims she is full of grace for the child she bears-the future John the Baptist-jumped with joy inside her when she greeted Mary.

The final days of Advent are thus to prepare for the great celebration of Christmas. Christians are asked to not only reflect on this great day of joy to come, but to also find Jesus in a very real way during this time. Perhaps it will come from service to others, donating food for families in need, or spending time with those who have no one close to be with during this time of year.

Journey to Bethlehem
Altus Fine Arts via Pinterest

Sources

Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent)

The first two Sundays of Advent are times of penance and reflection. On the third Sunday, it is time to remember both the joy to come with the birth of Jesus and his return. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice so is commonly called that on traditional Christian liturgical calendars. The third Sunday is the joyful midpoint on our way towards Christmas, so we spend time reflecting on joy and hope.

Back in the Middle Ages, church leaders realized that if you have an entire season of repentance, you need to also celebrate joy and hope. Without that, its whole purpose would be lost. So, on Gaudete Sunday we take time to step back from the somber nature of the season and celebrate the joy and hope that is to come. Rather than the somber purple of penance, the liturgical color is rose or pink (priests or ministers can wear either one). And the advent candle for this day is one of those colors as well. Since we are lighting this candle on Gaudete Sunday, it is the candle of joy.

The scripture readings will also reflect this as well. Often St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is read in particular verses 4:4-7:

“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

On this particular Sunday, you will see more joyful decorations in church with emphasis on joy. Colorful flowers, decorations, and banners may be displayed. Music will be joyful as well along with special prayers offered during the service. Families are encouraged to get together for a special meal on this Gaudete Sunday (often a brunch).

Sources

Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Advent, Christmas, Religion

Feast of Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia) 13 December

Saint Lucy by Domenico Beccafumi, 1521 AD.
Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Saint Lucy of Syracuse (Santa Lucia) is observed as the bringer of light in the darkest times. Born in Syracuse possibly in 283 into a noble family, she devoted herself to God after her father’s death. Her mother suffering from an illness, set up an arranged marriage for her so her future would be secure. She prayed at the shrine of Saint Agatha and received a vision that her mother would be healed. When she was, she encouraged her and the family to give their wealth to the poor. However, the man she was betrothed to was angry and informed the authorities that she was a Christian.

Emperor Diocletian was intolerant of Christianity and led one the most severe persecutions against them. Lucy was asked to renounce her faith and refused. She was tortured and lost her eyes (though some sources say she did that herself) since the Roman governor did not want her seeing any more visions. Refusing to surrender her faith, she initially was to burn to death. However, the fire would not light, and she was killed by the sword steadfast in her faith till the end. She died in 303 AD.

Her devotion and martyrdom became well known. While many legends abound, it is clear she was a martyr for the faith and never wavered. Her feast day was set on December 13. On the old Julian calendar, that was the shortest day of the year when light was needed. Her day became symbol to mean return of the light. Although that day shifted when a new calendar was adopted, her feast day remains the same. Her feast day is celebrated in Scandinavian countries as a festival of light during the long winter night. A young girl in a white dress and red sash carries palms and wears a wreath of candles on head. Special rolls or cookies are made for the day and often handed out to the elderly. It is also celebrated in parts of Italy particularly in Sicily and in many places of the world today. There are many churches dedicated to her and the island of Santa Lucia in the Caribbean is named for her.

Saint Lucy is the patron saint of the blind, visually impaired, eye health, spiritual vision and discernment, protection during periods of hopelessness, and for those seeking clarity or guidance.

“O St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, you who sacrificed your life for Christ, intercede for us who seek your guidance. May your example of faith inspire us to walk in the light of Christ, and may your patronage bring healing to those who suffer from blindness, both physical and spiritual. Amen.” (Prayer of Saint Lucy)

Sources

“Saint Lucy,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified November 12, 2025, accessed December 2, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy.

Catholic Online, “St. Lucy – Saints & Angels – Catholic Online,” Catholic Online, accessed December 2, 2025, https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75.

“The Story of Saint Lucy: Her Life, Her Light, and Her Martyrdom,” Original Botanica, last modified December 1, 2025, accessed December 2, 2025, https://originalbotanica.com/blog/saint-lucy-story-martyrdom-light-prayer.

Rodriguez, Jaime. “Saint Lucia or Saint Lucy of Syracuse: History, Miracles and Much More.” Un Lugar Para Hablar De Religiones, Biblia, Jesucristo, Dios, Y Mas… Last modified February 14, 2024. Accessed December 2, 2025. https://hablemosdereligion.com/en/saint-lucia-or-saint-lucy-of-syracuse-history-miracles-and-much-more/.

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to December!

Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry Folio 12, December
circa 1440
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

December is the 12th month on the Gregorian calendar. The name derives from the Latin word decem, which means ten. It originally was the tenth and final month of the year on the old Roman calendar which began in March. With the adoption of the Julian calendar, January and February were added but the name remained. Anglo-Saxons used the word Yule for December-January but that now has been changed to mean December and Christmas season.

The December solstice is known as the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is the Summer Solstice in the southern. The solstice generally takes place around 21 -22 December and is the shortest day of the year in the north (the reverse in the south). Depending on how far north you are, sunlight may only be a few hours a day. And in some places, it is either dark or twilight for winter. Many old festivals took place to commemorate this event (and some still do to this day). For Christians, the first four weeks before Christmas is Advent in which they prepare for the birth of Jesus on 25 December. Jews celebrate Chanukah/Hanukkah, the 8-day Festival of Lights in December as well.

The first full moon of December is often called the Cold Moon in some places but has many other names as well depending on the culture and people that observed and followed the lunar schedule. The Geminid Meteor Shower takes place on 13-14 December. The Ursid Meteor Shower is on 22-23 December.

Sources

Boeckmann, Catherine. “The Month of December 2025: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore.” Almanac.Com. Last modified November 21, 2025. Accessed November 30, 2025. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-of-december-holidays-facts-folklore.

Kennedy, Lesley  “The Surprising History of December,” HISTORY, last modified November 24, 2025, accessed November 30, 2025, https://www.history.com/articles/december-month-history-facts.

“The Month of December.” https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/december.html.

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! (First Sunday of Advent)

Advent Wreath (1st Sunday)
Photo :Micha L. Rieser(Wikimedia Comos)

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Roman Catholics and many Christian denominations. It encompasses the four weeks (Sundays and weekdays) leading up to Christmas Day. Counting back four Sundays from Christmas Day will get you to the first Sunday of Advent. Depending on the calendar day Christmas falls on, Advent usually begins near the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle celebrated on 30 November. Eastern Orthodox, since it follows the Julian calendar, will start their Advent later as Christmas Day falls 13 days after the current Gregorian calendar.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or coming to, is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ and a reminder that Jesus will return. During this period, Christians are reminded not to be weighed down or distracted by the cares of this world. Like Lent, Christians are called to reflect on our actions and seek penance. We also should prepare our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. We should not allow our souls to be burdened with predictions of events yet to come, but to be alert and ready. During this period, Catholic priests wear violet vestments, except on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn. Altars will be less decorated than usual during this time as well.

One of the symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. This wreath has four candles (battery operated ones are acceptable) and are lit for each Sunday in Advent. Usually, a prayer is also spoken while lighting the prayer and often families will do it together. Most candles are purple, but one will either be white or rose for Gaudete Sunday. The popular Advent calendar is to not only marks down the days till Christmas, but also days of devotion during the season. A Christmas novena is also done. The traditional one is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena which begins on 30 November (the feast day of St. Andrew) and runs till Christmas Eve. A nine -day novena begins on December 16 and goes till Christmas Eve. Many Latin American countries celebrate this as Las Posadas, and it is popular in the Philippines as well (called Sambang Gabi).

There is specific music for the Advent season that is often played in Catholic and Christian churches during religious services. Music such as Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing will not be heard until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Secular songs such as White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are reserved for Christmas concerts (which are sometimes held in churches) are not sung at all during religious services. While Christmas decorations may be outside the church, you will not see Christmas trees in the main area of the church where mass is celebrated during Advent. This has nothing to do with any connotation that a Christmas tree is pagan but rather that during Advent we must be solemn in observing it. So, a lighted Christmas tree is often near the entry or just inside the entry (if they have one). This has been the tradition that Saint Pope John Paul II started when he got a Christmas tree from his native country of Poland. Christmas decorations are generally put up usually on the Fourth Sunday of Advent and it is then you may see Christmas trees inside the church.

Flowers and wreaths are acceptable near the altar and not on it. Advent wreaths are often placed near the altar and lighted before the service begins. A Christmas crib or nativity scene may also be displayed as well.

Sources

“Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.infoplease.com/culture-entertainment/holidays/advent-dates-traditions-and-history.

Holcomb, Justin. “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions.” Christianity.Com. Last modified October 29, 2025. Accessed November 29, 2025. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?,” USCCB, accessed November 29, 2025, https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Suggested Reading

Ave Maria Press, Away in a Manger: Daily Prayers for Advent and Christmas 2025, 2025.

Ferguson, Sinclair B. Love Came Down at Christmas: Daily Readings for Advent. Good Book Company, 2018.

Kohn, Harold E. Advent Devotional for Christmas: 25 Illustrated Daily Reflections to Prepare Your Heart for the Season. Independently published, 2025.

Grabill, Rebecca, and Stephen Grabill. The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent and the Twelve Days of Christmas, 2024.

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

Saunders, William P. Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas. Tan Books, 2018.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

 

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Photo:Public Domain

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Today Christians celebrate the fourth and final Sunday in Advent. The liturgy will often include Old Testament readings from Micah (5:1-4) or Isaiah (7:10) that contain the prophecies about how God will send Jesus to come among the people and stop the enemies that are plaguing his people. A second reading, such as from Hebrews (10:5-10), will be used to show how Jesus came to fulfill God’s will and defeating the enemy that separates us from him. Finally, the Gospel, often from Luke about Mary visiting Elizabeth, will be read to show a parallel to the Ark of the Covenant. As the Ark contained the Ten Commandments-the word of God-Mary contains the son of God in her body. Elizabeth exclaims she is full of grace for the child she bears-the future John the Baptist-jumped with joy inside her when she greeted Mary.

The final days of Advent are thus to prepare for the great celebration of Christmas. Christians are asked to not only reflect on this great day of joy to come, but to also find Jesus in a very real way during this time. Perhaps it will come from service to others, donating food for families in need, or spending time with those who have no one close to be with during this time of year.

Journey to Bethlehem
Altus Fine Arts via Pinterest

Suggested Reading

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

For More Information

Infoplease, “Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, http://www.infoplease.com/spot/advent1.html.

Justin Holcomb, “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified November 18, 2024, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?” USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent

[This has been updated from 2023 with new description of the day and new source material]

The first two Sundays of Advent are times of penance and reflection. On the third Sunday, it is time to remember both the joy to come with the birth of Jesus and his return. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word for Rejoice so is commonly called that on traditional Christian liturgical calendars. The third Sunday is the joyful midpoint on our way towards Christmas, so we spend time reflecting on joy and hope.

Back in the Middle Ages, church leaders realized that if you have an entire season of repentance, you need to also celebrate joy and hope. Without that, its whole purpose would be lost. So on Gaudete Sunday we take time to step back from the somber nature of the season and celebrate the joy and hope that is to come. Rather than the somber purple of penance, the liturgical color is rose or pink (priests or ministers can wear either one). And the advent candle for this day is one of those colors as well. Since we are lighting this candle on Gaudete Sunday, it is the candle of joy.

The scripture readings will also reflect this as well. Often St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is read in particular verses 4:4-7:

“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

On this particular Sunday, you will see more joyful decorations in church with emphasis on joy. Colorful flowers, decorations, and banners may be displayed. Music will be joyful as well along with special prayers offered during the service. Families are encouraged to get together for a special meal on this Gaudete Sunday (often a brunch).

Suggested Reading

Santa, Thomas M. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook: A Daily Companion, 2000.

For More Information

Gaudete Sunday

Christianity.com Editorial Staff, “What Is Gaudete Sunday? Meaning, History, and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified December 18, 2023, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/gaudete-sunday-third-advent-sunday.html.

Catholic Answers, “Gaudete Sunday,” Catholic Answers, last modified November 23, 2021, https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/gaudete-sunday.

Advent

Infoplease, “Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, http://www.infoplease.com/spot/advent1.html.

Justin Holcomb, “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified November 18, 2024, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.

“What Is Advent?” USCCB. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-worship/liturgical-year/advent.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Christmas, Religion

Today is the Feast of Saint Lucy (13 December)

Santa Lucia (St. Lucy)

Saint Lucy (Saint Lucia, Lucia of Syracuse) was a Christian martyr who died in 304 AD. She is venerated in the Anglican, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Since her feast day used to coincide with the Winter Solstice (on the old Julian calendar), her day is celebrated as a festival of light in many places. She is the patron saint of blind and eye disorders.

While there are many stories and legends about her, few of them are true. However, the story about being executed as a Christian by a disappointed suitor appears to be accurate. She lived in Syracuse in Sicily in 304 under a time of Christian persecution under the Emperor Diocletian. Her mother had hoped to marry her to a pagan. Lucy prayed to God for guidance and learned that her mother’s illness would be cured by faith. She told her mother and eventually convinced her. And she asked her mother to donate the money for her dowry and commit herself to God. Her suitor was not happy with this outcome, denounced her as a Christian, and was later executed by Roman soldiers.

The story of her martyrdom spread out into the Christian world and by the sixth century was appearing in a procession of virgins in Ravenna. Her fame spread to England and her festival was very popular up until King Henry VIII dissolved the Catholic Church. Her feast day in England was treated as a holy day. Her feast day is celebrated in Italy and Scandinavia. Her feast day in Scandinavian countries is celebrated as a festival of light during the long winter night. A young girl in a white dress and red sash carries palms and wears a wreath of candles on her head. Special rolls or cookies are made for the day and often handed out to the elderly. It is also celebrated in parts of Italy particularly in Sicily and in many places of the of the world today. There are many churches dedicated to her and the island of Santa Lucia in the Caribbean is named for her.

[This has been updated for 2024 with a rewrite and better source citations.]

Sources

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Saint Lucy | History, Patron Saint, Eyes, & Feast Day,” Encyclopedia Britannica, last modified July 20, 1998, http://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy.

Francesca Pollio Fenton, “Why Sweden Honors St. Lucy, a Beloved Italian Saint,” Catholic News Agency, December 11, 2024, http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256258/why-sweden-honors-saint-lucy-a-beloved-italian-saint.

Franciscan Media, “Saint Lucy | Franciscan Media,” Franciscan Media, December 9, 2024, http://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-lucy.

Catholic Online, “St. Lucy – Saints & Angels – Catholic Online,” Catholic Online, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=75.

 

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to December

[This has been updated from 2023 with new information, additional images, and sources]

Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry Folio 12, December
circa 1440
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

December is the 12th month on the Gregorian calendar. The name derives from the Latin word decem, which means ten. It originally was the tenth and final month of the year on the old Roman calendar which began in March. With the adoption of the Julian calendar, January and February were added but the name remained. Anglo-Saxons used the word Yule for December-January but that now has been changed to mean December and Christmas season.

The December solstice is known as the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, but it is the Summer Solstice in the southern. The solstice generally takes place around 21 -22 December and is the shortest day of the year in the north (the reverse in the south). Depending on how far north you are, sunlight may only be a few hours a day. And in some places, it is either dark or twilight for winter. Many old festivals took place to commemorate this event (and some still do to this day). For Christians, the first four weeks before Christmas is Advent in which they prepare for the birth of Jesus on 25 December. Jews celebrate Chanukah/Hanukkah, the 8-day Festival of Lights in December as well.

The first full moon of December is often called the Cold Moon in some places but has many other names as well depending on the culture and people that observed and followed the lunar schedule. The Geminid Meteor Shower takes place on 13-14 December. The Ursid Meteor Shower is on 22-23 December.

For More Information

Catherine Boeckmann, “The Month of December 2024: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore,” Almanac.Com, last modified December 2, 2024, https://www.almanac.com/content/month-of-december-holidays-facts-folklore.

“The Month of December.” https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/december.html.

Mariah Thomas, “December Holidays and Observances to Celebrate Year After Year,” Reader’s Digest, last modified November 4, 2024, https://www.rd.com/article/december-holidays/.

 

Christmas, Religion

Happy Advent! (First Sunday of Advent)

[This has been modified from 2023 with corrections in grammar, punctuation, additional links,  updating sources, and adding new text]

Advent Wreath (1st Sunday)
Photo :Micha L. Rieser(Wikimedia Comos)

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Roman Catholics and many Christian denominations. It encompasses the four weeks (Sundays and weekdays) leading up to Christmas Day. Counting back four Sundays from Christmas Day will get you to the first Sunday of Advent. Depending on the calendar day Christmas falls on, Advent usually begins near the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle celebrated on 30 November. Eastern Orthodox, since it follows the Julian calendar, will start their Advent later as Christmas Day falls 13 days after the current Gregorian calendar.

Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or coming to, is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ and a reminder that Jesus will return. During this period, Christians are reminded not to be weighed down or distracted by the cares of this world. Like Lent, Christians are called to reflect on our actions and seek penance. We also should prepare our hearts for the full joy of Christmas. We should not allow our souls to be burdened with predictions of events yet to come, but to be alert and ready. During this period, Catholic priests wear violet vestments, except on the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) when rose may be worn. Altars will be less decorated than usual during this time as well.

One of the symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. This wreath has four candles (battery operated ones are acceptable) and are lit for each Sunday in Advent. Usually, a prayer is also spoken while lighting the prayer and often families will do it together. Most candles are purple, but one will either be white or rose for Gaudete Sunday. The popular Advent calendar is to not only marks down the days till Christmas, but also days of devotion during the season. A Christmas novena is also done. The traditional one is the St. Andrew Christmas Novena which begins on 30 November (the feast day of St. Andrew) and runs till Christmas Eve. A nine -day novena begins on December 16 and goes till Christmas Eve. Many Latin American countries celebrate this as Las Posadas, and it is popular in the Philippines as well (called Sambang Gabi).

There is specific music for the Advent season that is often played in Catholic and Christian churches during religious services. Music such as Silent Night, Adeste Fidelis, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing will not be heard until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. Secular songs such as White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are reserved for Christmas concerts (which are sometimes held in churches) are not sung at all during religious services. While Christmas decorations may be outside the church, you will not see Christmas trees in the main area of the church where mass is celebrated during Advent. This has nothing to do with any connotation that a Christmas tree is pagan but rather that during Advent we must be solemn in observing it. So, a lighted Christmas tree is often near the entry or just inside the entry (if they have one). This has been the tradition that Saint Pope John Paul II started when he got a Christmas tree from his native country of Poland.Christmas decorations are generally put up usually on the Fourth Sunday of Advent and it is then you may see Christmas trees inside the church.

Flowers and wreaths are acceptable near the altar and not on it. Advent wreaths are often placed near the altar and lighted before the service begins. A Christmas crib or nativity scene may also be displayed as well.

For More Information

Infoplease, “Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History,” InfoPlease, last modified November 18, 2021, http://www.infoplease.com/spot/advent1.html.

Justin Holcomb, “What Is Advent? The Season’s History, Meaning and Traditions,” Christianity.Com, last modified November 18, 2024, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/what-is-advent.html.