As we pulled out the Thanksgiving leftovers for a weekend meal, we found ourselves preparing to celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. As much of 2024 time seems to be accelerated at a far quicker pace than years past, we need to set aside some time for personal reflection of the reason for the season.
The word “Advent” comes from the word in Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” It refers to the coming birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ during the second coming.
In the Catholic Church, the Advent season allows us to focus on the importance of Christ in our lives, preparing us to celebrate Christ’s birth. The faithful consider all three comings when they celebrate Advent. Traditionally, Catholics will focus more on prayer and an element of fasting through the period.
At Mass, priests will don purple vestments during this time. In churches as well as at home for many Catholics have Advent wreaths, which provide a tangible object to help them reflect on the season with prayer as they light a candle each Sunday with different intentions.
On the cover of The Tablet we provide the lighting of each candle with a thoughtful prayer. Advent wreaths are circular, which represents God’s infinite love, with no beginning or end. The Advent wreath consists of four candles. Each candle corresponds to the four respective Sundays through Advent.
Three of the candles will be purple or blue in color, and the other one will be pink. The blue and purple candles represent penitence, while the pink candle refers to the third Sunday of Advent, which is known as Gaudete Sunday.
This is meant to encourage participants to continue praying as Advent is soon to reach its conclusion.
Each week during Advent has a specific meaning and relevance. In the first week, Catholics light the first blue or purple candle. This signifies hope as it is commonly known as the “Prophet’s candle” and begins the signaling that Jesus is coming.
On the second Sunday, a candle is lit to celebrate faith. This is based on the everlasting love of God, and it is also commonly referred to as the “Bethlehem” candle. This reminds everyone that Mary and Joseph undertook the journey to Bethlehem.
On the third Sunday of Advent Catholics light the pink candle, it is traditional to celebrate Joy with the “Shepherds” candle. This third Sunday is also called Gaudete Sunday, and a literal translation here is to “rejoice.” It is a Sunday to remember Mary as the mother of Jesus.
On the fourth Sunday, the candle symbolizes peace and is known as the “Angels” candle. The simple message here from the angels is “peace on earth and goodwill towards men.”
Take the time during Advent to reflect and rejoice the first coming of the Messiah.
