This weekend we begin a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. We prepare in this season for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered. At the same time, our minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, the Church calls Advent “a period of devout and expectant delight.”
The Roman Missal states, “In Advent, floral decoration and the use of the organ and other musical instruments should be marked by a moderation suited to the character of this time of year, without expressing in anticipation the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord.” Our parish does well putting these directives into practice. Church decor and music are valid expressions of the faithful offering their talents to worship God in the Mass. However the Church simply asks us to scale back and really focus on how the beauty of core elements of the liturgies of Advent can prepare us for Christmas.
Contemporary Catholic culture puts a lot of emphasis on Lent as a time of spiritual renewal, but the Church asks us to consider Advent in a similar light. While the penitential character of Advent is less severe, it is a great time to think of ways to change or increase our prayer life, whether it be in devotional reading and prayer, attending Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, or attending Mass during the week.
Since “Christmas” starts on November 1 for our secular culture, observing Advent can be challenging. As we partake in Christmas parties, shopping, concerts, and other celebrations, let us resolve to make room in our lives for the mysteries of Advent that lead us to celebrate the birth of our Savior.