Advent

Advent is the liturgical season that begins the Church's year — four weeks before Christmas dedicated to preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and to expectation of his Second Coming at the end of time (CCC 524).

A Season of Dual Expectation

Advent has a double character. It commemorates the first coming of the Son of God in the humility of human flesh — preparing the soul to celebrate Christmas with renewed faith. And it directs the mind toward the Second Coming — when Christ will return in glory. Both comings are held together in Advent's prayer (CCC 524).

The Spirit of Advent

Advent is a penitential season — not as intense as Lent, but marked by watchful waiting, prayer, and preparation. The color purple (or violet) in the liturgy signals its penitential character. The themes of Advent are hope, expectation, conversion, and joy in anticipation of the Lord's coming (CCC 1095).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the O Antiphons? The seven days before Christmas (December 17–23) are marked by the "O Antiphons" — ancient Vespers antiphons that address the coming Christ by his prophetic titles: O Wisdom, O Lord, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Rising Sun, O King of the Nations, O Emmanuel. These antiphons are the theological heart of late Advent.

Why does the liturgical year begin in Advent rather than January? The Church's year begins with Advent because the Church's story begins with expectation — the long waiting of Israel for the Messiah. The liturgical year reflects the order of salvation history, not the civil calendar (CCC 1168).