In these dark days of winter, let us journey through Advent, preparing our hearts and homes for the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us, Jesus the Christ.

Advent is rich with sacred symbols. The Scriptures are filled with images of light and darkness, cacophony and silence, waiting and fulfillment. The color of the season is deep purple, reflecting the penitential and reflective nature of the season. Both the circular shape and the evergreen of the Advent wreath suggest eternal and everlasting life. Arrive a bit early at Mass each Sunday and look around your parish for the signs and symbols of the season. What do your kids notice? What do you notice?

Candlelight

Christ is the light of the World

Evergreen

In Jesus, we are given the gift of eternal life

Water

We recall our baptism and are born anew in Jesus

Chant

We await the birth of the babe in the manger

Angels

Witnesses to the Good News

Star

The cosmic sign that the King of Kings has been born

The central focus of the season is the coming of the Lord. Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church stresses this twofold meaning: “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 Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming” (No. 524).