This episode is about Advent: what it means, what Emmanuel is. So join me as we walk together through Advent.
The season of Advent is a time of real significant time in the church. This time marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. It's a time of preparation. It's a time of anticipation as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The word advent comes from the Latin word "adventus", which means coming or arrival. During this sacred time, we reflect on the coming of Christ, his presence in our lives today, and also his promise to return.
`Advent is a significant season in the Catholic Church that marks the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a time of preparation and anticipation as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming" or "arrival." During this sacred time, we reflect on the coming of Christ, his presence in our lives today, and his promised return in the future.
The term "Emmanuel" holds great significance during the season of Advent. It is derived from Hebrew and means "God is with us." This name was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ. Emmanuel reminds us of the profound truth that God chose to become human and dwell among us. It is a reminder of the divine presence in our lives, bringing comfort, hope, and salvation.
In the context of Advent, the concept of Emmanuel compels us to deepen our spiritual connection with God. It invites us to seek his presence and to be mindful of his constant companionship throughout our journey of faith. Emmanuel reminds us that God is not distant or detached, but intimately involved in our lives, guiding and sustaining us.
The Catholic Church defines Advent as a season of joyful expectation and preparation for the coming of Christ. It encompasses the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Advent should serve as a time of spiritual renewal, where we focus on prayer, penance, and acts of charity. It is a period of both solemnity and anticipation, as we reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation and prepare our hearts to receive Christ anew.
In the liturgical calendar, Advent holds a significant place. It is a time of preparation that sets the stage for the celebration of Christmas. The Church encourages all to embrace the spirit of Advent by participating in its rich traditions and practices. Through prayer, Scripture readings, and the sacraments, Catholics are invited to enter into a deeper relationship with God and to prepare themselves for the coming of Christ.
God desires to be one of us. Should we not work to be closer to God?
As we reflect on the following I ask that you think of a child waiting for something special. They are bouncing around, they cannot sit still. The anticipation takes over all that they do
As Advent unfolds, a spirit of joyful anticipation permeates the Catholic Church. The faithful eagerly await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This anticipation is rooted in the hope and expectation of salvation that Christ's coming brings. It is a time of renewed faith, where we embrace the promise of redemption and the joy of Christ's presence in our lives.
During Advent, the liturgical color of the Church changes to purple, symbolizing penance and preparation. However, this season is not solely characterized by solemnity. Joy is an essential element of Advent, as we celebrate the coming of our Savior. It is a time to rejoice in the hope and promise that the birth of Christ brings to the world.
The Advent calendar is a beloved tradition that helps Christians mark the season of Advent. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century in Germany. The first Advent calendars were simple, with paper doors that opened to reveal a religious image or Bible verse. Today, Advent calendars come in various forms, including ones with chocolates or small gifts behind each door.
The Advent calendar serves as a visual reminder of the countdown to Christmas. Each day, as a new door is opened, the anticipation and excitement build. It is a way for individuals and families to engage in daily reflections, prayers, or acts of kindness. The Advent calendar helps us to slow down and savor the season, fostering a sense of gratitude and spiritual preparation.
Advent candles play a significant role in the Catholic tradition and symbolize different aspects of the season. The Advent wreath, typically made of evergreen branches, holds four candles, three purple and one pink. Each candle represents a different week of Advent.
The first purple candle symbolizes hope, reminding us of the anticipation of the coming of Christ. The second purple candle represents peace, signifying the harmony that Christ brings to our lives. The pink candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent, symbolizes joy, marking the midpoint of the season. Finally, the fourth purple candle represents love, reflecting the unconditional love that Christ demonstrates through his birth. Often a white candle is placed in the center which is lit on Christmas or all candles are replaced with white for the celebration of Christmas. Many then use this as the centerpiece of the Christmas table.
As each candle is lit during the Advent season, the light gradually increases, symbolizing the growing presence of Christ in our lives. The candles serve as a visual reminder of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ's coming brings, guiding us through the season and illuminating our path to Christmas
In a secular modern world, it can be challenging to embrace the spirit of Emmanuel during the season of Advent. The distractions and busyness of daily life can easily overshadow the true meaning of this sacred time. However, it is precisely in this context that the spirit of Emmanuel becomes even more significant. Our business and preparations can also remind us of the preparations we all do for a guest.
Emmanuel reminds us to seek God's presence amidst the noise and chaos of the world. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of mindfulness and to find moments of stillness and reflection. By prioritizing prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of kindness, we can create space in our lives to experience the joy and peace that Christ brings.
The Franciscan tradition holds a rich history of embracing Advent as a season of profound spiritual significance. Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, had a deep devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation. He celebrated Christmas with great joy and reverence. For Francis the event of the incarnation (God becoming man) was the central event in life.
For Franciscans, Advent is a time of reflection on the humility and poverty of Christ. It is an opportunity to imitate his example by embracing simplicity, humility, and charity. The Franciscan tradition encourages believers to live the Gospel values of love, peace, and joy during this season, mirroring the spirit of Emmanuel in their daily lives.
In the Franciscan tradition, Advent is marked by various traditions and practices. One such practice is the "Crib Blessing," where families and communities gather to bless their nativity scenes. The tradition of the nativity was believed to have been initiated by St Francis in Greccio.(more of this in the next episode). This tradition serves as a reminder of the humble birth of Christ and the invitation to make room for him in our hearts.
As Advent unfolds, let us embrace the spirit of Emmanuel in our lives. Let us remember that God is with us, guiding us, comforting us, and transforming us. May we find joy in the anticipation of Christ's coming and reflect on the profound significance of his birth. Through the Advent traditions of the Catholic Church and the Franciscan tradition, may we deepen our faith and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ with open arms.
CTA: Embrace the spirit of Emmanuel this Advent season by engaging in prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness. Allow the joy and hope of Christ's coming to transform your life and bring you closer to God.