What is Advent?
Sunday, December 3, 2023- Sunday, December 24, 2023
Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent (from, "ad-venire" in Latin or "to come to") is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world (Lk 21:34-36). Like Lent, the liturgical color for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.
![advent wreath](https://hsp-ht.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/advent-wreath-1-scaled-e1701467218321-300x277.jpg)
Advent & Christmas Perspective & Ideas
Advent & Christmas Perspective & Ideas ~ As we gear up for the busy-ness of Advent and Christmas, let us make a firm resolution to keep Christ at the center of these seasons. Here are some suggestions: * make certain you have an Advent Wreath and light it as many evenings throughout Advent as possible (wreath lighting … Read more
Week 1 Advent Wreath Lighting Prayers
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. Week One:*light the first purple candle Scripture Reflection: … Read more
Week 2 Advent Wreath Lighting Prayers
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. Week Two:*light the first and second purple candles Scripture … Read more
Week 3 Advent Wreath Lighting Prayers
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. Week Three:*light the first and second purple candles … Read more
Week 4 Advent Wreath Lighting Prayers
Start with the Advent Wreath Blessing Dear Jesus, as we light the candle(s) on this Advent wreath, may the light of your presence bring joy to our hearts. Bless our family and our friends, and be with all those who are in need this holiday season. Amen. Week Four: *light all four candles Scripture Reflection: … Read more