A new liturgical season is just around the corner. On November 30th, the Catholic Church begins the season of Advent. Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means coming. It is a time of spiritual preparedness for the coming of Christ.
Each year, the Advent themes are always the same. The four primary themes are:
- Hope – Reflecting on the hope of Christ’s coming, past and future, and God’s promises of redemption.
- Peace – Embracing the peace that Christ brings into the world and seeking peace within our hearts and relationships.
- Joy – Rejoicing in the anticipation of Jesus’ arrival, especially celebrated on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday).
- Love – Remembering God’s love for humanity in sending his Son and reflecting that love to others.
Here is a preview of the readings for the Sundays of Advent.
Sunday November 30th – Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus reminds us to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man. What a great reminder for us to prepare for Christ’s second coming. It is a perfect way for us to focus on the theme of hope as we embark on the season.
Sunday, December 7th – Matthew 3 1-12
St. John the Baptist preaches in the desert. He fulfills the ancient prophecy of making way for the lord who is coming. The theme for the second Sunday of Advent is peace. Ironically, St. John the Baptist doesn’t speak peacefully. Rather, it is violent.
What St. John the Baptist is reminding us is to see peace in our own hearts as we welcome Christ.
Sunday December 14th – Matthew 11: 2-11, Gaudete Sunday
*Cue Livin’ on a Prayer Refrain* The third Sunday marks the halfway journey of Advent. The rose vestments are worn at Mass. The pink candle is lit along with the two purple candles from the previous weeks. It signals that we’re near the end of a long journey.
While in prison, St. John learns of Christ being the fulfillment of the prophets, as those who sought Jesus returned to John not as messengers but as witnesses
Sunday December 21st – Matthew 1: 18-24
The final theme of Advent is love. Love is a theological virtue, and it reminds us of God’s love for all of humanity. St. Matthew recalls the time an angel convinced St. Joseph, while asleep, to be willing to take her and the child into his home.
Love invites us to open our hearts to receive God’s love anew and share it generously, preparing to welcome Christ with a heart full of gratitude and grace.
Remember to get to Mass.
Make Advent lit with your faithful witness to others in all that you do.
Here are some recommended sources to help in the Advent season.