Advent Reflection

What Is Advent Season? 

Advent Season is a very special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas. 

The Advent season invites us to step away from what can be a frenzied time of parties and shopping to consider how we commemorate the birth of Jesus, one of the holiest times in Christian faith. It is also a time to reflect on the triumphant return of Jesus at the second coming.

Advent Wreath

The most significant tradition of the Advent season is the Advent Wreath.  The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. So what does the Advent Wreath symbolize? The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

Advent Candles

The candles also have their own special significance. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. Three of the candles are purple because the color violet is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.

Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God...

Advent Prayer

Let your light shine prayer

Come Lord Jesus, come

and let your light shine through us

so that through our actions

we may be salt for the earth,

a light in people's sight

and that we might reach out to you

in one another,

especially those in need. 

Amen.

St John Baptist De La Salle: Pray for us

St Aloysius: Pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts: Forever