What is Advent?

Advent is the season that begins the Church's liturgical year and prepares Catholics for Christmas. It also directs the Church toward Christ's second coming in glory.

What Advent celebrates. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word for "coming." The season holds together two comings of Christ. Catholics remember the Son of God's first coming in humility at Bethlehem, and they await His return as judge and king. The Church joins Israel's longing for the Messiah and renews the desire for Christ to come into every human heart (CCC 524). Jesus commands His disciples to remain watchful because the hour of His return is unknown (Mt 24:42-44).

How long it lasts. Advent begins with evening prayer on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent and ends before the Evening Mass of the Lord's Nativity on December 24. It contains four Sundays, but its exact number of calendar days varies. The early part emphasizes watchfulness, conversion, and Christ's return. From December 17 onward, the liturgy turns more directly toward the events surrounding Jesus' birth.

How the Church observes it. Violet vestments express preparation and sober expectation. The Gloria is usually omitted at Mass, while the Alleluia remains. The third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, named for the command to "rejoice" (Phil 4:4). Rose vestments may be used that day as a sign of joy because Christmas is near. Advent has a penitential character, but it is distinct from Lent and does not carry universal fasting or abstinence rules.

Common Advent practices. An Advent wreath uses four candles to mark the Sundays before Christmas. An Advent calendar can help families count the days, especially when it includes Scripture, prayer, or works of mercy. The "O Antiphons," prayed from December 17 through 23, invoke Christ under biblical titles such as Wisdom, Key of David, and Emmanuel. Catholics also prepare by going to confession, giving alms, and resisting the rush to celebrate Christmas before it arrives.

What Advent asks of us. Christian watchfulness is active. It means prayer, repentance, fidelity to daily duties, and readiness to meet Christ (CCC 2612). Mary is Advent's clearest human model. She received God's word in faith and awaited the Savior with hope (Lk 1:26-38).

Set aside a few minutes each day for the day's Gospel or a passage from Isaiah. Keep an Advent wreath if possible, make a good confession, and save the full celebration of Christmas for the Christmas season.