The Season of Advent
The word Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus, which means coming or arrival. Purple is the primary color associated with Advent. Within the Catholic Church it symbolizes penance, preparation, and sacrifice. During the first week of Advent, we look forward to Jesus’ coming with hope.
The Church has traditionally celebrated the four-week Advent season by lighting candles in a wreath and reflecting on the coming of Jesus as told in Scripture. We use candles to announce and remember that Jesus is The Light of the World. The circle, a shape without beginning or end, represents God’s never-ending love for us. The greenery we use to adorn and fashion the wreath represent Christ’s gift of eternal life. The number of candles equals the number of weeks in Advent, with some also including a white candle to symbolize purity, which is lit on Christmas day. Purple or violet is the color used in penitential seasons. We await in darkness for our great light, which is the Christ, our savior.
The Church has traditionally celebrated the four-week Advent season by lighting candles in a wreath and reflecting on the coming of Jesus as told in Scripture. We use candles to announce and remember that Jesus is The Light of the World. The circle, a shape without beginning or end, represents God’s never-ending love for us. The greenery we use to adorn and fashion the wreath represent Christ’s gift of eternal life. The number of candles equals the number of weeks in Advent, with some also including a white candle to symbolize purity, which is lit on Christmas day. Purple or violet is the color used in penitential seasons. We await in darkness for our great light, which is the Christ, our savior.
Advent Prayers
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Advent Prayer
Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a family this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen. |
Prayer for Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Lord God of all creation, you came among us as an infant in Bethlehem long ago. Come to us now as we prepare to celebrate your birth and look forward to your coming in glory at the end of time. May the light of this wreath remind us of the power of your steadfast love for us over darkness of fear, evil, and death. May we praise you all the days of our lives. Bless our preparation for your coming. Amen. |
Lighting the Advent Wreath with Children
Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. |
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Sign up for Flocknote Advent texts or emails |
Advent Reflections with Dr. Tim Gray
Receive a short daily reflection in your email by signing up at formed.org/advent or view the reflections online at your convenience at Formed Advent Reflections This Advent season, walk with Dr. Tim Gray on a journey of renewal to ready your heart for the coming of Christ. Each day of Advent, Dr. Gray will unpack the meaning of this season and its rich traditions, as well as offer practical advice for making this Advent your best yet.
Advent Reflections from Dynamic Catholic
It’s a totally free and totally awesome daily video program (sent straight to your email) that will help you prepare for Christmas like never before! Sign up for daily reflections from Dynamic Catholic for the Best Advent Ever.
Catholic Icing's Advent and Christmas crafts and celebration ideas are sure to entertain your children while teaching them about their faith and preparing their hearts for Christmas.
Make Jesse Tree ornaments, and read about the Story of Salvation, from creation to the time of Jesus.
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Make Saint Ornaments with templates from Catholic Icing
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We've all heard of St. Nicholas (i.e. Jolly ol’ St. Nick, or Santa Claus).
But who was he?
St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra known for providing for the poor and the sick. One of the stories includes him sneaking in at night to leave a bag of money for three sisters. After his death, his legend of gift-giving grew, and the tradition of him leaving presents for children all over the world was born.
The Feast of St. Nicholas is December 6th. Why not honor this Saint on whom Santa Claus is based.
But who was he?
St. Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra known for providing for the poor and the sick. One of the stories includes him sneaking in at night to leave a bag of money for three sisters. After his death, his legend of gift-giving grew, and the tradition of him leaving presents for children all over the world was born.
The Feast of St. Nicholas is December 6th. Why not honor this Saint on whom Santa Claus is based.
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Have you ever placed carrots in your shoes for St. Nick's donkey, and then waited patiently till morning for him to fill them with treats? Read more about this tradition in St. Nicholas and Your Shoes! A St. Nicholas Tradition. Lacy from Catholic Icing has great ideas on what kinds of gifts St. Nick may like to leave!
Create a St. Nicholas ornament. Watch St. Nicholas: The Real Story on FORMED (for adults). Watch The Boy Who Became Santa on FORMED (for children). |
Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th.
Watch A Story That is Not Yet Finished on FORMED.
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