The season of Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church. Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “coming.” Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent has a specific focus and meaning that helps us reflect on different aspects of waiting for the birth of Jesus Christ and anticipating his second coming. Let’s explore the significance of each Sunday in more detail.
1st Sunday of Advent
The 1st Sunday of Advent marks the official start of the new liturgical year in the Catholic church. The readings and liturgy for this Sunday focus on the Parousia which means the second coming of Jesus Christ. This day calls us to prepare for Christ’s second coming through spiritual discipline like prayer, penance and works of charity. The key themes for the 1st Sunday of Advent are expectation, hope and preparation. The readings emphasize being alert and ready for the return of the Son of Man.
Some key symbols and traditions associated with the 1st Sunday of Advent include:
- Lighting the first purple candle on the Advent wreath which represents hope.
- Reading from the Gospel of Luke about the end times and the second coming.
- The use of purple vestments by priests to symbolize penance.
Overall, the 1st Sunday of Advent reminds us to prepare our hearts to receive Christ by confessing our sins, amending our lives, and living in hopeful anticipation of his second coming.
2nd Sunday of Advent
The 2nd Sunday of Advent continues the theme of preparation but shifts focus to the role of the prophets. The Old Testament readings recall the prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah and John the Baptist who prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah. The message is one of repentance and making oneself ready for the Lord’s arrival through baptism, prayer and evangelization.
Some key symbols and traditions for the 2nd Sunday of Advent include:
- Lighting the second purple candle on the Advent wreath which represents faith.
- Reading John the Baptist’s call for repentance and baptism.
- Emphasis on the sacrament of reconciliation.
So the 2nd Sunday reminds us to straighten the winding roads of our hearts just as the prophets called people to do in preparation to meet the Savior.
3rd Sunday of Advent
The 3rd Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. On this day, the theme shifts to one of joy and celebration to reflect the nearness of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The pink candle on the Advent wreath symbolizes joy. The readings emphasize rejoicing in the Lord and recognizing that the kingdom of God is at hand.
Some key symbols and traditions for the 3rd Sunday of Advent are:
- Lighting the pink candle instead of the purple candle on the wreath.
- Use of rose colored vestments by priests instead of purple.
- Upbeat hymns of praise and joyful antiphons.
- A more festive and celebratory mood in anticipation of Christmas.
So the 3rd Sunday allows us to interrupt our penitential preparations briefly to rejoice as we see the fulfillment of God’s promises drawing ever nearer.
4th Sunday of Advent
The 4th Sunday of Advent turns our attention directly to the upcoming birth of Jesus on Christmas. The readings emphasize the events leading up to the Nativity. We hear the scripture about the annunciation when angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Messiah. Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth is also recalled. The theme is one of preparation for the imminent arrival of our Savior on Christmas day.
Some key symbols and traditions for the 4th Sunday of Advent include:
- Lighting the final purple candle to mark the final week before Christmas.
- Reciting the Magnificat from Luke’s Gospel.
- Singing hymns and carols that tell of the nativity story.
- Celebrating the sacrament of baptism on this day.
The 4th Sunday concludes our Advent preparations and turns our focus entirely to welcoming the newborn king at Christmas!
The Progression of the Advent Season
Looking at the four Sundays of Advent together, we can see a clear progression:
| Sunday | Theme | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Sunday | Hope and Expectation | Second coming of Christ |
| 2nd Sunday | Faith and Preparation | Role of prophets and repentance |
| 3rd Sunday | Joy and Celebration | Rejoicing as the birth of Jesus draws closer |
| 4th Sunday | Love and Preparation | Imminent birth of Jesus at Christmas |
We begin Advent by putting ourselves in the expectant hope of the second coming of Christ. As we progress, we shift to active preparation through repentance and straightening our crooked paths just as John the Baptist exhorted people to do. Halfway through we celebrate with joyful anticipation of the coming savior. Finally, we arrive at the threshold of Christmas, poised to welcome Christ into the world once more.
Practices and Traditions of the Advent Season
In addition to the special readings and themes for each Sunday, certain traditions help us observe the season of Advent:
- Advent Wreaths – The circular wreath and candles mark the four weeks of Advent. The light grows brighter each week as Christmas approaches.
- Liturgical Colors – Purple is used for penitence and preparation. Pink/Rose represents joy on the 3rd Sunday.
- Advent Calendars – Help count down daily to the Christmas celebration.
- Jesse Trees – Ornamental trees decorated with symbols representing the story of salvation.
- Advent Fasts – Some faithful fast or give up something during Advent.
- Advent Devotionals – Many churches provide special daily devotionals for the season.
Observing these traditions year after year instills a heightened sense of anticipation and wonder as we await the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.
Preparing Our Hearts and Homes for Christmas
How can we use the four weeks of Advent to prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas? Here are some ideas:
- Attend Advent services – Many churches hold special services like Lessons and Carols or weekday prayer services.
- Set up your Nativity scene but leave out the Holy Family – Add them on Christmas Eve/Day.
- Pray through Advent wreath readings and lighting the candles each week.
- Decorate slowly – Don’t put everything up on the first day. Spread it out over four weeks.
- Play Advent and Christmas music leading up to the holiday.
- Do acts of service and give to charity during the season.
- Go to confession and attend additional masses.
When we incorporate these practices over the four weeks, they help transform our homes, families, and communities into a fitting space to welcome our Lord and Savior on Christmas.
Advent Themes in Other Denominations
The themes associated with each Sunday of Advent are quite similar across various Christian denominations including Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. The same scripture readings and Advent wreath practices are generally used. Some minor differences may include:
- Blue colored candles on the wreath instead of purple in some Protestant churches.
- An emphasis on Advent as a time of penitence in Catholic/Anglican churches.
- Differing opinions on fasting/abstinence during Advent between denominations.
- More focus on Old Testament messianic prophecies in Protestant services.
But by and large, the significance of each Sunday remains centered on the same biblical narratives of preparation and expectancy leading up to Christmas. The themes unite various Christian traditions in preparing for Christ’s coming.
Origins and History
When did the season of Advent first begin in the church? Here is a brief look at the origins and history:
- Early 300s AD – Some evidence of preparation time before Epiphany.
- 6th century – Council of Tours called for fasting before Christmas.
- 7th century – Advent is 40 days focused only on fasting/asceticism.
- Middle Ages – Advent reduced to 4 weeks, more emphasis on Christ’s coming.
- 16th century – Protestant reformers institute new liturgies with strong Advent themes.
- Modern era – Advent recovers penitential aspect and connection to liturgical year.
So while early Advent was focused mainly on asceticism for Epiphany, over the centuries it evolved into a spiritual season marked by the four Sundays we now use to prepare for Christmas. The anticipation and expectancy leading up to Christmas remains central regardless of the year!
Conclusion
The four weeks of Advent serve an important purpose in the Church’s liturgical calendar. The season takes us on a journey of expectation, preparation, joy, and celebration for the coming of Jesus Christ not only in the nativity but also in his second coming. Established traditions and practices help orient our hearts toward Christ’s arrival. As we reflect on the profound scriptural themes unique to each Sunday in Advent, we find ourselves truly spiritually prepared to commemorate and worship our Lord on Christmas Day. Advent offers a precious opportunity to refocus ourselves on the true meaning of this holy season of boundless divine love and grace.