Advent

• Advent:

  • Came from the Latin word “adventus” and Greek word “parousia” which both mean “coming/arrival”
  • Time of preparation for the arrival of Jesus; season of hope
  • Color of this season is violet/purple with rose for the third Sunday/Gaudete Sunday (Latin; rejoice)
  • Four Sundays/weeks; ends on December 24 evening or known as “Christmas Eve Mass”
  • Catholic Church’s New Year, first season in the Church calendar
• Christ the King:

  • Before Advent; last Sunday of Ordinary Time
• Christmas:

  • Season after Advent
• Epiphany:

  • Season after Christmas
• Notable things in the season of Advent:

  • Wreath/evergreens symbolize continuous life
  • Circle represents eternity of God, immortality of the soul, and everlasting life in Christ
  • Candles represent the four weeks of Advent (one candle lit for each Sunday)
  • 1st Candle (Purple/Hope) - “Prophecy Candle”; in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah
  • 2nd Candle (Purple/Faith) - “Bethlehem Candle”; Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem
  • 3rd Candle (Gaudete Sunday; Pink/Joy) - “Shepherd's Candle”; reminds of the joy at the birth of Jesus and faithful reaching midpoint of Advent
• • 4th Candle (Purple/Peace) - “Angel’s Candle”; message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men”
  • 5th Candle (White/Purity) - “Christ Candle”; represents the life of Christ, placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve
  • Purple signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice
  • Pink for joy
  • White for purity as Christ is our sinless and pure Savior
• Nine days of Dawn Masses from December 16-24

  • Filipino Catholics intensify preparation for the birth of Jesus with Simbang Gabi
  • Advent season is about remembering God's love in giving His only begotten Son as our redeemer
• What are the 6 seasons of the Liturgical Calendar?

  Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time.
• Why is Advent considered as New Year in the church?

  Because it is the first season of the calendar of the church
• What is the longest season in the Liturgical Calendar?

  Ordinary Time
• What season is for commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?

  Easter
• What is the season for fasting and repentance; and is also the penitential preparation for Easter?

  Lent
• What is the season when we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ?

  Advent
• What is the season where we celebrate the birth of Jesus?

  Christmas
• What is another term for the 3rd Sunday of Advent?

  Gaudete Sunday
• What does the Latin word "Gaudete" mean?

  Rejoice
• How many weeks are there in the Ordinary Time?

  33-34
• When does Advent end?

  December 24th