Definition of Advent

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Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming." Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season.

Advent is not as strict as Lent, and there are no rules for fasting, but it is meant to be a period of self-preparation. The purple color associated with Advent is also the color of penance. The faithful should fast during the first two weeks in particular and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The color of the Third Sunday of Advent is rose. This color symbolizes joy and represents the happiness we will experience when Jesus comes again. The Third Sunday is a day of anticipatory celebration. It is formerly called "Gaudete" Sunday; gaudete means "rejoice" in Latin.

Finally, Sundays during Advent, just as during Lent, should not be given to fasting, but instead to celebration because we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord every Sunday. It is important to remember, however, there are no particular rules for how the laity should observe Advent.

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Advent? What is it all about

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming. The Lord is coming. We may reflect that every year at this time we celebrate his coming , so that in a sense we can lose the feeling of expectancy and joyful anticipation, because at the end of the season, everything seems to return to pretty much the same routine. If that is the case, then our preparation may have been lacking ... continue reading

More about Advent

Why is it Important
The Advent Wreath
Collections for Advent
The Advent Candle
Divine Preparations
Advent Prayers
What the Catechism says
An Advent Search for God
The Lord Will Come
Advent Conversion
Time for Preparation
The Advent Calendar

The Christmas Story

To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role."132 The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as "full of grace". In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace... continue reading

More Christmas

O Antiphons
Last Eight Days
12 Days of Christmas
Origin of 12 Days
The Epiphany
Christmas Prayers
The Manger and the Cross
Christmas Cookies
A Blessed Christmas
The Nativity Scene

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Mary Speaks From the Heart
A Young Mother Gives Birth
Mary Remembers
A Life of 'Yes'
Jesus’ Mother is Our Mother

A Birth Foretold
The Witnesses Gather
The Plan Unfolds
Redeemer in the Womb
The Real Christmas Gift

Advent Daily Readings

The weeks of Advent remind us to set aside some of the hectic business of the holiday season, and to quietly reflect on the promise of the baby born in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. The Bible readings listed below relate to the Advent themes of waiting, preparation, light in the darkness, and the coming of the promised Messiah. continue reading

Explore More

Mother of our Lord
Jesus Family Tree
About Isaiah
St. Nicholas
Gift Guide

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Ideas to Make Your Christmas Special
Traditions From Around The World
Christmas Quotes
How to Handle Christmas Stress

St. Nicholas
Christmas
Advent

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'Observe Advent': What does it really mean? Watch

With the first Sunday of Advent behind us, the liturgical season of preparing for Christmas is well underway.  Denver, Colo. (CNA) - ... continue reading

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New Vatican Christmas Stamps feature beautiful artwork

The artwork featured on the Vatican's postage stamps for Christmas 2018 were painted by a man serving a life-sentence in a Milanese ... continue reading

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Catholic Online Shopping has announced 40 Days of Deals. Catholic gifts will be discounted, allowing shoppers to get bargains on some of ... continue reading

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The Advent Calendar Watch

An Advent calendar has become a tradition for many families when celebrating Advent and the Christmas season. Young children are full of ... continue reading

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The Advent and Christmas Season... by Catholic Online Shopping