Advent ~ 2015

Liturgical Colour: Purple/Violet (First Sunday, Second Sunday and Fourth Sunday), and Pink/Rose (Third Sunday).

Advent a time of

Spiritual Waiting, Joyful Expectation, 

Hopeful Longing and Yearning 

the coming of 

our Messiah and Saviour Jesus.

Let every heart prepare Him room.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

The word advent, from Latin, means �the coming.� The first day of Advent season always fall on the Sunday after the Solemnity of Christ King and in 2015, Advent begins on 29 November. The season of Advent is about four weeks and ends on Christmas Eve. The First Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the new liturgical year for the Church. The Third Sunday of Advent also known as "Gaudete Sunday" (in Latin meaning "Rejoice!�), as the �Entrance Antiphon: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near." of the Third Sunday of Advent Mass is taken from Paul's letter to the Philippians (Phil 4:4+5b). 

Christians prepare by reflecting on the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem 2000 years ago (our Saviour first coming) and also look forward for the time when Christ will come again (our Saviour next coming) though no knows actually when Christ will come again but we are reminded to always alert and ready.

"Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.� (Matthew 25:13)

�But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.�(Matthew 24:36)

�You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.�" (Luke 12:40)

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. The birth of Jesus, the first coming of our Savior as foretold by the Prophet Isaiah,� For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forever more. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.� (Isaiah 9:6-7) 

A popular tradition of Advent is the Advent wreath, which is a feature in many Christian homes and churches during Advent. The Advent wreath contains four candles, three purple and one pink or rose, and some contain an optional extra fifth white candle in the middle of the wreath. The three purple candles symbolize hope, peace, and love, and they are lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. The pink or rose candle symbolizes joy, and lit on the third Sunday. The optional fifth white candle is lit on Christmas day, symbolizes the birth of Jesus, the light of the world. 

Before lighting each candle weekly, say the following weekly prayer.

First Week

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever. AMEN.

Second Week

God of power and mercy open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. AMEN.

Third Week

Lord God may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Fourth Week

Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN.

Source of weekly Advent prayer (before the respective Advent candle is lit): www.loyolapress.com

Other feast and solemnity that fall within the Advent season are:

• 30 November - Feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle.
• 8 December - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• 12 December - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.