Advent is an important period in the Christian calendar, marking a time of spiritual preparation and expectation before Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "advent". In this context, it refers to the coming of the Messiah, announced in the Old Testament and awaited by believers. The season of Advent begins four Sundays before 25 December and therefore lasts around four weeks, although its length may vary slightly from one year to the next. It is a period dedicated to meditation, spiritual reflection, prayer, and good deeds, in order to prepare minds and hearts for the celebration of the Nativity.
Origin and Meaning of Advent
The tradition of Advent dates back to the first centuries of Christianity, although its form and practices have evolved over time. Originally, it was a period of fasting and prayer to prepare the faithful for Christmas, similar to Lent which precedes Easter. The purpose of this time of preparation was to purify souls, repent and focus on spiritual values. Advent was thus a kind of inner pilgrimage, symbolising the long wait of the Hebrew people for the coming of the Saviour.
Over the centuries, Advent has taken on a more joyful meaning, marking not only the anticipation of Christmas but also a time to prepare for the second coming of Christ, called the "Return of the Lord" in the New Testament. Today, Advent is a time of recollection, prayer, and celebration in which each Sunday is a step towards Christmas, symbolising the growing light in the world.
Many traditions and symbols have been associated with Advent, each carrying a specific spiritual meaning and inviting a process of inner preparation.
The Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is one of the best-known symbols of this period. Traditionally made of fir branches arranged in a circle, it is decorated with four candles, each representing one of the four Sundays of Advent. Each Sunday, an additional candle is lit, and so the light of the wreath increases as Christmas approaches, symbolising the rise of divine light in the world.
The First Candle: Hope
It is lit on the first Sunday of Advent and represents the hope of the people of Israel who awaited the Messiah. This candle is a reminder of God's promise and invites reflection on expectations of peace and salvation.
The Second Candle: Peace
Peace is at the heart of the second week of Advent. This candle symbolises reconciliation and forgiveness, a call to ease tensions and live in harmony, within ourselves and with others.
The Third Candle: Joy
The third candle, called the "pink candle" or "Gaudete candle" (from the Latin "Rejoice"), represents joy. It is lit on the third Sunday of Advent to express the approach of Christmas and remind us of the importance of joy in the Christian faith.
The Fourth Candle: Love
The last candle, lit on the fourth Sunday, symbolises God's unconditional love. It is an invitation to generous love and care for others, in remembrance of the love shown at Christmas with the birth of Jesus.
Some wreaths include a fifth candle, placed in the centre, called the "Christ candle". It is lit on Christmas Day to represent the light of Jesus, who came into the world to guide and illuminate.
Masses and Celebrations
During Advent, specific masses and vigils are held in churches, with prayers and readings that highlight the themes of expectation, promise and the coming of peace. The biblical texts read during this period speak of the prophecies of the Old Testament, which announce the coming of the Messiah. These are often Masses imbued with an atmosphere of recollection and meditation, where believers are invited to take time to refocus and prepare their hearts to welcome Jesus.
Values and Spiritual Meaning
The Advent season highlights four major spiritual values: hope, peace, joy and love. Each of these values is symbolised by a candle in the wreath, and represents a step towards full preparation for Christmas.
Hope: This value is central to the First Sunday of Advent and is a call to believe in a better world. The hope of Advent reminds us that Christmas is a time of renewal and light, a promise of redemption and transformation.
Peace: Advent invites us to peace, an inner peace but also peace in the world. It is a time to reflect on conflicts, grudges and resentments, and to consider solutions for reconciliation and appeasement.
Joy: The joy of Advent is not just material joy; it is deeper, inviting us to marvel at the little things and appreciate simplicity. It is a joy that enlightens hearts and brings them closer to the spirit of Christmas.
Love: Love is at the heart of the Christmas message. During Advent, believers are called to practise love in all its forms: generosity, compassion, listening and kindness. It is a reminder that Christmas is above all a celebration of sharing and caring for others.
Daily Practices and Gestures
In everyday life, the Advent season is often an opportunity to perform gestures of generosity and charity. Communities often organise food collections, clothing donations and visits to people who are isolated or in need. It's a time when people are encouraged to reach out to others, show compassion and practise acts of solidarity. For some families, Advent is also a time to strengthen family ties. Traditions such as decorating the Christmas tree, baking cakes and sweets, and spending evenings together sharing memories and stories are all part of it. This time of waiting for Christmas thus becomes an opportunity to unite and strengthen family relationships.
The Advent season is therefore much more than just a countdown to Christmas. It is a deeply spiritual period, inviting everyone to pause, reflect and prepare inwardly for the feast of the Nativity. Advent reminds us of the importance of universal values such as hope, peace, joy and love. It encourages us to look beyond the material aspects of the end-of-year festivities to rediscover the deeper meaning of Christmas, which is a celebration of light and love. It's a time to get back to basics and welcome Christmas with a purified heart filled with good intentions, ready to live this festival in a spirit of sharing and brotherhood.
