Search
-
Happy New Year!
Soon, we will begin a new liturgical year with the celebration of Advent. Derived from the Latin word, Adventus, meaning arrival, this four week season has a dual purpose:
(1) To prepare the faithful for the celebration of Christmas when Christ’s first arrival is remembered.
(2) To direct the mind and heart of the faithful to await Christ’s Second Coming (parousia) at the end of time.
What can we deduce from these stated purposes? The season of Advent calls us to journey toward Christ with devout and joyful expectation.
One way that we know and express our Catholic faith is through the gift of the sacraments – outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace (visible signs of an invisible reality). Although the Advent Wreath is not one of the seven sacraments, it functions as a sacramental because it is an outward symbol of the interior journey that we are called to follow during this season of hope.
A quick guide to the Advent Wreath:
The laurel wreath signifies everlasting life, and victory over persecution and suffering.
The four candles symbolize the four weeks of Advent.
The three purple candles stand for penance, prayer, sacrifices, and good works
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday). This marks the midpoint of the season of Advent and is considered a day of rejoicing.
The lighting of each candle signifies Christ, the Light of the World.
Think about having an Advent Wreath for your home – it is a wonderful way to live liturgically.
Dr. Jacob Benda