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By Michelle Dulski (Marquette University student)
The days are hectic these next couple of weeks before Christmas. Many people are not sure if they will be able to buy everyone's Christmas presents, put up the decorations, send out Christmas cards, call all of the relatives, cook all of the food and make the costumes for the pageant in the time remaining. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season tends to leave the spiritual aspect forgotten by many, but the season of Advent is still present.
It is important to set time aside from the holiday pressures to reflect upon this season and its true meaning. Many people are aware of Advent, but may not understand what it fully entails. They see the Advent wreath and its candles and know that purple is a significant color of Advent, but what does this all mean? Why is Advent celebrated?
According to William J. McGarry, S.J., in his book, "He Cometh," the purpose of Advent is "to cheer the sinner because a Savior will come." According to Rev. Frank A. Majka, S.J., assistant director of University Ministry at Marquette University, "Advent is the preparing for the coming of Christ." Both interpretations make sense, since Advent is one of the church's two preparation times (the other being Lent). Fr. Majka further explains that the season is to remind people of the three comings: the past coming, the Incarnation when Jesus was born; the future coming, when Jesus will come again at the end of the world; and His coming in the present, when he enters into our lives every day. The Advent season is a preparation for all of these comings.
In order to extend this meaning of the season to Catholics, the Church uses certain symbols. One common symbol is the Advent wreath and its four candles. The candles represent each week of Advent, and a new candle is lit each week. The Advent wreath is a tradition that began as a home custom. It is made of evergreens and forms of a circle. The evergreens are significant because Jesus came into the world to give us never-ending life, just like the branches are "ever green," or ever alive. The symbol is a wreath because a circle has no beginning or end, just like God, who is without a beginning or an end.
Besides lighting the Advent wreath each week, other symbolic actions are done as well. In the book, "Living the Christian Seasons," author Charles K. Riepe describes other actions and symbols that appear throughout the Advent season. For example, the color purple is significant. In the medieval period, purple signified penance, and was thus used during Advent. Also, the word "Gloria" is omitted in the songs and liturgy of the church during the season. Both of these things remind Catholics to repent during this season.
Catholics can take an active role in the Advent season. Church attendance may be an obvious act of participation, but other forms exist as well. In the book, "Sourcebook for Sundays and Seasons: An Almanac of Parish Liturgy," Peter J. Scagnelli suggests that Catholics can attend a Saturday or Sunday evening prayer, a weeknight vigil by candlelight, communal reconciliation or Christmas music rehearsals.
Some churches may have a "Giving Tree" in the entryway to the church. On the tree are cards with the names of people in need during this time. Parishioners take a card off the tree and bring gifts for those in need near Christmas. This is an adaptation of the Jesse Tree. Scagnelli further describes the importance of the tree as it "links Christmas shopping to the Christian love that should mark all who follow the One whose birth at Bethlehem was God's enduring gift to us."
During this time, Catholics should ask themselves what their expectations are for Christ's coming. They should also consider if Christ's Second Coming means anything for the way they live their Christian commitment each day. The book, "Living Liturgy: Spirituality, Celebration, Catechesis," poses other questions Catholics should consider during this season. By reflecting on the true meaning of the season, Catholics can obtain a better understanding of Advent. Reflection and participation will make the season of Advent more meaningful.
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