This Sunday we begin the season of Advent which marks not only the beginning of a new liturgical season, but a liturgical year in our Church.
With the beginning of Advent, we can notice some changes. I know you have already seen some of these changes in our Church the past few weeks—like the newly painted inside of our Church, the big cross below the cupola, and soon marble on the floor of the sanctuary. However, this is not the change I am talking about. I am referring to a liturgical change, for example, the sight of green color at the altar and the vestment of the priest. With the season of Advent, you will be seeing purple. There will also be not much in way of decorations and flowers, except the advent wreath in the sanctuary. On Sunday, for four consecutive weeks, the Gloria will not be sung nor recited within the mass.
Why is it so? Because Advent has a twofold character: as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered, and when that remembrance directs our mind and heart to await Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout preparation and joyful expectation.
As Catholics, we have this beautiful tradition of the advent wreath during the season of Advent in which, I believe, helps us to set our hearts and minds in our preparation for Christmas. During the first two weeks of Advent, we light the first two purple candles that symbolizes our faith and hope of Christ coming. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, which means we are invited to rejoice because our waiting for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day is almost over. The third candle, which is pink, is lit to signify joy. Then, on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait expectantly for the soon-coming birth of Jesus. It symbolizes peace.
This tradition can be adopted in our homes. It can be an opportunity for our children to appreciate the season of Advent and encourage them to participate in prayer. The Essential Advent and Christmas Handbook has this prayer for the first Sunday of Advent:
Parent: Lord, you are the light of our world.
Children: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Parent: O gracious God of promise, we prepare to worship together as we await the fulfillment of your wondrous plan. Help us to grow as we hear your Word and live in your love. May the light of your love always shine in our hearts.
Children: Amen.