Entering the Advent Season: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Advent is a treasured season in the Church, marking the beginning of the liturgical year and serving as a period of spiritual preparation. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming”. During this time, we are given the opportunity to prepare our hearts not only for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, but also for His second coming at the end of time. It is a penitential season, inviting us to reflect, repent, and ready ourselves to welcome Christ more fully into our daily lives.
Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30, which is the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, always beginning four Sundays before Christmas. Advent is structured over four weeks, each with its own theme, and highlighted through the Advent wreath and candles. The first week focuses on the virtue of Hope, recalling the prophets who awaited the Messiah. The second week emphasizes Peace, reminding us of the calm and reconciliation Christ brings into the world. The third week celebrates Joy, and is symbolized by the rose-colored candle, representing the rejoicing of Mary and Elizabeth at the coming of Christ. Finally, the fourth week centers on Love, reflecting God’s boundless love shown to humanity in sending His Son.
Within Advent, several feast days enrich our spiritual journey. On December 6th, we celebrate Saint Nicholas, a 4th century Bishop whose generosity and care for the needy inspire acts of charity and kindness, particularly toward children. The tradition of leaving shoes out for small gifts, candies, or coins encourages generosity, showing that giving can be both joyful and humble.
December 8th marks the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, honoring Mary, who was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception. This feast invites all of us to reflect on God’s grace preparing us for His mission in our lives. Attending Mass and praying a Rosary is a beautiful way to enter this celebration.
December 12th is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most beloved Marian apparitions in the world. In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego, a humble indigenous man in Mexico, asking him to have a church built in her honor. Juan Diego’s beautiful interaction with Mary, marked by humility, faith, and obedience, culminated in the miraculous image imprinted on his tilma, a symbol of God’s love and care for all people. This feast is a vibrant celebration of Mary’s maternal protection. Many traditions honor Our Lady by decorating homes or churches with her image, candles, and flowers, creating a visual reminder of her presence and love.
On December 13th, we celebrate Saint Lucy, a young 3rd century martyr whose unwavering faith in Christ shines as a model of courage. In many countries, her feast is marked with beautiful traditions: girls wearing crowns of candles, songs of light, and processions, illuminating the darkness of winter with the hope and light of Christ.
Advent is a time to embrace the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings, to learn from the lives of the saints, and to open our hearts as Mary and Juan Diego did, ready to receive the Savior. Through its feasts, traditions, and sacred rhythm, Advent draws us into a deeper relationship with God, culminating in the celebration of Christmasand the everlasting promise of Christ’s return.