Four Great Ways to Celebrate Advent

by Admin · November 27, 2021

We have now entered the season of Advent — a time of preparation and reflection, anticipating the birth of Jesus, and his second coming in the future. We suggest four ways you can enter into this season personally.

In the Old Testament God set up seasons of cycles for people to observe and celebrate every year — days of remembrance, seasons of atonement and days of feasting.

In the same way the Church observes a liturgical year — a pattern which keeps the story of Christ’s redemption close to the heart. In these seasons we are invited to participate as a community in Christian life and the life of the Church.

God tells us that we will pass these truths on from generation to generation — so the liturgical seasons are an important way for families to pass on the knowledge and joy of Jesus’ love for us.

The season of Advent is observed for four weeks before the feast of the Nativity and begins the liturgical year of the Church.

Here’s how you can enter into the season of Advent, joining Catholics from all around the world, and generations of Catholics who have done so before us.

Advent wreath

The Advent wreath with its four candles is a tradition which began in the Middle Ages. The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolises the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

In many countries, three of four candles are violet coloured, symbolising prayer, repentance and forgiveness and the other candle is pink, symbolising joy and lit on the Third Sunday of Advent.

A candle is lit each Sunday to mark the four weeks before the Nativity. You can make your own Advent wreath out of basic household/garden items, like coat-hangers, empty toilet paper rolls and plenty of greenery. Be sure to make space for four candles to sit securely in the wreath.

Say a prayer at home before lighting the candles in your wreath each Sunday.

Here’s a traditional prayer for the first candle: All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good, that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Advent Nativity scene

You can set up your Nativity scene in stages over Advent. This is one activity where you can let your creativity reign. A Nativity scene can be made out of anything you like: playdough, pipe cleaners, clothespegs, Lego, paper figures, or plastic figures.

Each week you can focus on a different part. Set up the barn or cave, create and decorate your figures (don’t forget the shepherds, sheep, ox and donkey!), and the three wise men for the Epiphany in January.

Advent playlist

We don’t generally sing Christmas hymns during Advent but rather more reflective, anticipatory hymns: Here’s a few you can add to your playlist: O Come, O Come Emmanuel; The King of Glory; Come, O Long Awaited Saviour; Ready the Way; On Jordan’s Bank.

Advent traditions

Try one of these Advent traditions from around the world:

The Christingle, which is an orange tied with a red ribbon or tape and cocktail sticks with sweets or dried fruit and a candle in the centre (Germany).
A candle in the window to welcome Joseph and Mary (Ireland).
Advent calendar made from the branch of a fir tree with 24 boxes attached, with gifts inside (a more exciting version of the Advent calendar with chocolates inside) (Germany).
Advent Novena usually said in the nine days before Christmas (Italy).
House cleaning in preparation for the coming of Jesus (Poland).
Parols, which are colourful lanterns in the shape of a star placed around the home (Philippines).

As we consider Jesus throughout the course of the year and give our attention to his life, death, and Resurrection, you may find that Advent is the season you’ve been waiting for.

This article was published in the November issue of the Southern Cross magazine

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