Part 2
Yesterday, we talked about the three themes for the advent season: a time of waiting; a time of conversion; and a time of hope. We talked about how the Church has a profound calling to make Advent more than just a set of religious activities but rather a period of grace-filled waiting, authentic and deeper conversion, and develop a renewed sense of hope. Here are some of the suggested, although not exhaustive, means of celebrating Advent with the mind and heart of the Church:
The Advent Wreath is a four-candle wreath that is used to solicit a sense of waiting and progression while recalling the “various stages of salvation history” that culminates with the coming of Christ.
Advent Processions have either been to announce the birth of Jesus Christ to the world or to recall the journey of the Holy Family to Bethlehem. This is seen in many parishes and neighborhoods under the name posadas.
Marian Devotion throughout the season of Advent recalls both the “women of the Old Testament who prefigured and prophesied her mission” and recalls Mary’s faith and role in the events preceding the birth of Christ. Some examples of such devotion include: the Novena of the Immaculate Conception that progresses through the Marian passages from Genesis 3:15 to Luke 1:31-33, and devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe. These devotions are rooted in and flow towards their corresponding liturgical celebrations.
Vespers [Evening Prayer] from the Liturgy of the Hours is a means of preparing for Christmas through the daily rhythm of the Church’s liturgical prayer and in a special way through Vespers from December 17th-23rd with the “major antiphons”. There are many apps for smart phones for accessing the Liturgy of the Hours easily and the clergy are already praying these liturgical prayers.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) to renew and deepen our conversion to Christ.
Daily Reading of Scripture to recall the major events of salvation history and prophecies related to the coming of Christ by reading these passages, within their broader context. Some examples: Genesis 3:15, Genesis 49:10, Numbers 24:17, 2 Samuel 7:16, Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 7:14, Jeremiah 23:5, Micah 5:2, Luke 1:1-80. The Jesse Tree is also a wonderful tool in this practice.
Eucharistic Adoration to spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacrament of the Presence of Christ. This is an excellent opportunity to contemplate the mystery of Jesus as Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Increased Care for the Poor to remember Jesus who was born in the humblest of circumstances and “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).
There is not a person on earth that does not hunger for the gift of joy, hope, and meaning. Especially in the times we find ourselves in, we hunger for it even more. Nothing will bring us a better sense of these gifts during the Advent Season than celebrating Advent with the heart and mind of the Church, basking in the grace of God as we prepare for Christmas Mass and Christmastide.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!