Advent means "coming" or "arrival" of something having great importance. It is the four Sundays preceding Christmas is one of the most important times in the Ecclesiastical calendar of Liturgical seasons, it marks celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ for in Christians. It symbolizes the world in darkness awaiting the coming of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. The liturgical season of Advent anticipates Second Advent (Coming) of Christ
while also remembering the First Advent (Coming) of Christ at Christmas. Second Advent (Coming) of Christ Romans 13:11-14, the day is near, "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
Pope John Paul II once remarked that he hoped that Advent would be a time for us to strengthen our committment to our Christian faith. Focusing on the Nativity as well as on the Second Coming reminds us of the timelessness of God’s love, and of the importance of showing others His love in our thoughts, words, and actions. Advent reminds us to give of ourselves and to be open to reflecting Christ’s presence in our lives, as we think about His being born in a manger in Bethlehem to redeem us from our sins so that we may share Eternal Life with Him in Heaven.
The spirit of Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation, of preparation, of longing. It is that hope, which brings Christians the anticipation of a King, the reign of an Anointed One, a Messiah, who will rule with truth, justice, peace and righteousness over His people and in His creations.
The primary sanctuary color of Advent is Purple, the color of penitence and fasting and also the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. Purple of Advent is also the color of suffering and used during Lent and Holy Week. This explains the connection between Jesus’ birth and death. The nativity, the Incarnation, cannot be separated from the crucifixion. The purpose of Jesus’ coming into the world, of the "Word made flesh" and dwelling among us, is to reveal God and His grace to the world through Jesus’ life and teaching, but also through his suffering, death, and resurrection.
Some prominent feasts fall within the Season of Advent, includes the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Come, O Christ, the Light of the World.
Advent Prayer #1
O God, Who gladdens us by the annual expectation of our Redemption, grant that we, who now receive with joy Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may behold him without fear when He comes as our judge, even the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
Advent Prayer #12
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Your Only begotten-Son, that we may attain to serve You with purified minds, through His advent. Who with You lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen.
Meanings of the 4+1 Advent candles and sequence of lighting. The four colored candles, each represents 1,000 years since the creation of man and the last lit candle represents 4,000 years since Adam and Eve and the birth of Christ.
First Sunday of Advent (The Prophecy Candle)
Light first purple/blue candle which symbolize hope/anticipation of the birth of Christ on the first Sunday of Advent. It represents all of the prophecies of the Old Testament that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, fulfilled. as in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.".
O God, we light the first candle of Advent. We kindle it with hope. We long for you to come to our world, to break through and reign with compassion, justice, and peace. The prophet Isaiah also cried to God to tear open heaven and come down. He called God's people to do right. Isaiah called them to be refashioned like clay by God, the potter. This Advent, we call out to God. Mighty God, creator of the world, break through all that keeps us from you. We ask for your mercy and reform us in your image. This Advent, visit us with your justice, love, and peace. Amen.
Shine on us, O God of justice;
Guide our path through gloom of night;
Bear within us Wisdom's glory;
Come to us, O Christ the Light.
Second Sunday of Advent (The Bethlehem Candle)
Relight the purple/blue candle from the first Sunday of Advent and light the second purple/blue candle which symbolize God's love for His followers. It represents the preparations that Mary and Joseph made for the birth of the Christ child and the changes that we must make in our own hearts to prepare the way for Christ to come and dwell in us as in Isaiah 40:3. "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
O God, we light the second candle of Advent. We seek your comfort. Both mighty and tender, you come. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you. Isaiah announced God's coming to a people exiled in a broken and parched wilderness. He declared that God's redemption would make a highway in the desert and change the rough places into plain. God would come as a shepherd, feeding, leading, and cradling the weary flock. This Advent, we seek such a God. Saving God, look upon your world and heal your land and your people. Prepare us to be changed. This Advent, teach us to be tender and just, as you are. Amen.
Shine on us, O God of justice;
Guide our path through gloom of night;
Bear within us Wisdom's glory;
Come to us, O Christ the Light.
Third Sunday of Advent (The Shepherd's Candle)
Relight the two purple/blue candles from the first and second Sunday of Advent, then light the pink/rose candle which symbolize the joy associated with Jesus' birth. It represents the everlasting joy that only Christ can give. All other joy is temporal and passing; only the happiness and contentment of Christ is of true value and worth as in Isaiah 35:10, "and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."
We light the third candle of Advent.We look to John, the one you sent, to point us to your light. The light will come into our world and enlighten everyone. God sent John the Baptizer to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus Christ, the true Light of the World. John called for people to repent of their sins and to live faithfully. He baptized with a cleansing water and proclaimed the new life that Christ, the one who would follow him, would bring. This Advent, we ask for God's mercy and a joyful new beginning. Merciful God, we give thanks that you send messengers like John to call us to greater faith. We ask that in these days we prepare for you in prayer and acts of holy compassion. Forgive us and lead us to your light. Amen.
Shine on us, O God of justice;
Guide our path through gloom of night;
Bear within us Wisdom's glory;
Come to us, O Christ the Light.
Fourth Sunday of Advent (The Angel's Candle)
Relight the two purple/blue candles and the pink/rose candle from three past Sundays of Advent, then light the third purple/blue candle which symbolize peace of God, which passes all understanding. Churches celebrate the true peace and serenity that only Jesus Christ can offer which is seen as inner peace and Jesus Christ's peace that will be over the whole earth as in Colossians 3:15, " Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
O God, we light the fourth candle of Advent. We hear your angel Gabriel and witness the faith of Mary. Fill us with your grace and light. Mary was a young, strong, spiritual woman. Even though her life was not easy, she heard God's voice and said yes. Her song was a prayer that would uplift those who were downtrodden. Her lyrics shattered the proud and called the world to change. She would bear within her the promised child, Jesus, the Light of the World. This Advent, we respond to God's beckoning to us as well. Revealing God, visit us and fill us with your Spirit. Bring your good news to life within us. Give us courage to carry your light into the injustices and shadows of this world. Amen.
Shine on us, O God of justice;
Guide our path through gloom of night;
Bear within us Wisdom's glory;
Come to us, O Christ the Light.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day (The Nativity Candle)
Relight all four candles from the past Sundays of Advent and light a white candle (Christ Candle), in the center of the four Advent candles to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although Christmas comes “but once a year,” Christ’s love is with us always and He’s counting on us to share it with others.
Rejoice, people of God! The light has come into the world. O God, now we light the candle of your nativity! With the company of heaven and with sounds of great joy, you come to us. This is the time of light and resplendent joy. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed a time when those who walked in the shadows would see a great light. A light would shine and a child would be born to us. The evangelist Luke painted the nativity sky and repeated the heavenly song of the angels, "Glory, peace on earth and goodwill!" John declared that this great light is Christ, the Word made flesh. This great light lives among us. By it we behold God's glory, full of grace and truth. At Christ's nativity, we now rejoice. God, our Life and Light, thank you for coming this night (day) to us. Thanks for touching all heaven and earth with your splendor. In every corner of the world, shine (this night) with your peace. In every corner of our hearts, shine (this night) with your grace. Amen.
Shine on us, O God of justice;
Guide our path through gloom of night;
Bear within us Wisdom's glory;
Come to us, O Christ the Light.
Glory be to God and peace on earth
Christ is born! Alleluia!
Advent Prayer to Jesus
You are our eternal salvation,
The unfailing light of the world.
Light everlasting,
You are truly our redemption.
Grieving that the human race was perishing
through the tempter's power,
without leaving the heights
You came to the depths in your loving kindness.
Readily taking our humanity by Your gracious will,
You saved all earthly creatures, long since lost,
Restoring joy to the world.
Redeem our souls and bodies, O Christ,
and so possess us as Your shining dwellings.
By Your first coming, make us righteous;
At your second coming, set us free:
So that, when the world is filled with light
and you judge all things,
We may be clad in spotless robes
and follow in Your steps, O King,
Into the heavenly hall.
AMEN.
Unknown Author, 10th century
