Why is Advent Important
Preparation for Christmas is an important theme for Advent, but more is involved. Advent gives us a vision of our lives as Christians and shows us the possibilities of life.
The vision of life that Advent gives us is twofold; it looks back to the
first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and it looks to the future when
Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find
meaning for our life as a Christian.
First we celebrate Christ-become-human. We view his life and experience his presence as a human being in our history. Christ came to show us what life can and should be. He gave us true and valid principles by which we can live true and valid lives. But Jesus knew that the human heart could not live in isolation. He formed the Church around the concept of a people held together by love. In that community we discover unlimited possibilities and meaning. Alone we can do nothing. Together we find real meaning.
When Christ left this earth, he did not abandon us. He remains with us in his Spirit, the Church, the sacraments, the Scriptures and each other. He lives in community with us and keeps his vision of life before us.
When Christ comes again, his presence will no longer be hidden behind the signs and symbols of the liturgy or the words of the Scriptures. His presence among us will be revealed in all its fullness, a presence that will never end, a presence that will perfect and complete our community.
This is the "greater significance" of Advent. In these few short weeks we take in the sweeping panorama of time - from Christ's birth to his Second Coming. The season of Advent brings us the magnificent vision of life and hope for the future given to us by Christ.
Advent is our time to become more involved, more caught up in the meaning and the possibilities of life as a Christian community. Thus we are preparing not only for Christmas but also for Christ's Second Coming. This means that when he comes again, we will be awake and watchful. He will not find us asleep.
© Liguori Publications Excerpt from Advent - A Quality Storecupboard The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
More Advent & Christmas
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
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
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
Ideas to Make Your Christmas Special
Traditions From Around The World
Christmas Quotes
More Advent & Christmas News
Get your 2018 Keep Christ in Christmas Boxcar!
THE 2018 KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS BOXCAR Exclusively manufactured by Lionel in the USA for the Knights of Columbus.This limited edition is ... continue reading
Pope Francis's 'Urbi et Orbi' message (Full Text) Watch
Pope Francis on Christmas Day said the commemoration of Christ's birth is an occasion to remember and pray for every child who suffers due ... continue reading
Pope Francis sends powerful message out on Christmas Watch
Pope Francis said the birth of Jesus is an invitation for all Christians to imitate him in reaching out to embrace the vulnerable and all ... continue reading
A beautiful prayer to help with Christmas disappointment Watch
Since you came to Jesus, you've prayed, you've had faith in the Lord and you've done the best you could to meet God halfway - but now, near ... continue reading
The world's suffering little ones - don't forget them this Christmas Watch
Imagine hearing a knock at your front door. As you open the door, to your great surprise you see a baby lying in front of you. Without ... continue reading
Latest
by Catholic Online
- Pope Francis: 'God works in mysterious ways...'
- Daily Reading for Wednesday, June 20th, 2018 HD Video
- Pope Francis: Abortion of the sick and mentally ill is a 'Nazi mentality'
- BEHOLD A PALE HORSE: New strain of pandemic flu that kills 4-in-10 ...
- St. Romuald: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, June 19, 2018
- Pope's climate warning to oil-gas executives: 'There is no time to lose'
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Latest Videos
on YouTube
Daily Readings
Daily Reading for Monday June 18, 2018
Reading 1, First Kings 21:1-16
Psalm, Psalms 5:2-3, 5-6, 7
Gospel, Matthew 5:38-42
Saint of the Day
St. Gregory Barbarigo
June 18: St. Gregory Barbarigo was born in 1625, of a very ... Read More
Information
Learn about Catholic world
Catholic Online
Inform - Inspire - Ignite
Catholic Online Saints
Your saints explained
Catholic Online Prayers
Prayers for every need
Catholic Online Bible
Complete bible online
Catholic Online News
Your news Catholic eye
Daily Reading
Today's bible reading
Lent / Easter
Death & resurrection of Jesus
Advent / Christmas
Birth of Jesus
Rest of Catholic Online
All Catholic world we offer
Services
Products and services we offer
Catholic Online Shopping
Catholic medals, gifts & books
The California Network
Inspiring streaming service
Advertise on Catholic Online
Your ads on catholic.org
Catholic Online Email
Email with Catholic feel
Catholic Online Singles
Safe, secure Catholic dating
The California Studios
World-class post production service
Education
Learn the Catholic way
Catholic Online School
Free Catholic education for all
Student Classes
K-12 & Adult Education Classes
School Teachers
Teacher lesson plans & resources
Support Free Education
Tax deductible support Free education
Socials
Connect with us online
Catholic Online on Facebook
Catholic social network
Catholic Online on Twitter
Catholic Tweets
Catholic Online on YouTube
Enjoy our videos
Catholic Online on Instagram
Shared Catholic moments
Catholic Online on Pinterest
Catholic ideas style inspiration
