Leon Bent –
Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas, and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western Churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 (St. Andrew’s Day) and is the beginning of the liturgical year. In Christian communities around the world, Advent refers to a four-week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. It’s a time to reflect on the unexpected nature of Jesus’ humble birth and join in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all.
A Time of Transformation
Advent is a uniquely joyous and hopeful season in the Church. Advent is also the beginning of a new liturgical year. (This Advent season marks the start of Year C.). We begin the year anew, renewed by His birth.
Those who believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God and the long-awaited Messiah—Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the arrival of Jesus. People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community.
As the Church embarks upon the season of Advent, the Gospel for the First Sunday presents us with a vision of cosmic upheaval and the coming of the Son of Man. Jesus speaks of signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and of people in fear as “the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Yet, amidst this dramatic imagery, He offers a profound reassurance: “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Lk. 21:28).
Advent is a season of preparation, a time to reflect on, both, the coming of Christ at Christmas and His return in glory at the end of time. Advent as a time of interior transformation.
Advent is a season of “profound shaking” and “sacred uncertainty” that, awakens us to God’s presence. Hope is not passive but active—a courageous response to the brokenness of the world, rooted in trust that God’s light will shine in the darkness.
Jesus warns us to avoid being weighed down by “carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life” (Lk. 21:34). In a culture often dominated by distractions and consumerism, Advent is a countercultural call to pause, reflect, and pray. Advent as a time to bring our scattered lives together and focus on what truly matters: Our relationship with God and our readiness to meet Him. The posture is not one of fear but of confidence in God’s mercy and faithfulness. It echoes the “O” Antiphons’ cry for the Lord to “Come!”, a prayer that expresses, both, longing for Christ’s coming and trust in His presence.
The Seven Most Exquisite “O” Antiphones
The Church gives us her most exquisite prayers of longing and hope. From December 17 through December 23, during the final days of our Advent journey, we enter into the time of the “O Antiphons” – seven ancient prayers that express the deepest yearnings of God’s people. While many of us know these prayers through the beloved hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” their richness invites us to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s coming.
The Seven Antiphons: A Journey Through Promise to Fulfilment.
December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom). “O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High God, reaching from one end to the other, mightily and sweetly ordering all things: Come and teach us the way of prudence.”
December 18: O Adonai (O Lord). “O Lord, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.”
December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse): “O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before whom kings will shut their mouths, to whom the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.” This antiphon draws on Isaiah’s prophecy of the Messiah’s lineage. Jesse was King David’s father, and Jesus is the promised shoot who springs from this ancient root. In calling upon the Root of Jesse, we remember God’s faithfulness to His promises through generations.
December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David). “O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring). “O Dayspring, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.”
December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations). “O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.”
This title recognizes Christ’s Universal kingship. December 23: O Emmanuel (O God-with-Us).
“O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.”
The final antiphon brings us full circle to Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin who would bear a son called Emmanuel – God with us. This name captures the heart of the Incarnation: in Jesus, God truly becomes “with us” in the most intimate way possible.
The Four Themes of Advent in the Catholic Church are Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love:
Hope: The first Advent candle, often purple, symbolizes hope and is also known as the Prophecy Candle: It represents God’s forgiveness of sins.
Peace: The Angel’s Candle symbolizes peace.
Joy: The Shepherd’s Candle symbolizes joy.
Faith: The Bethlehem Candle symbolizes faith.
As we begin this Season of Advent, let our Hearts Awaken to Christ’s Presence.
Let us use this time to prepare our hearts, remain vigilant in prayer, and trust that even in the midst of turmoil, our redemption is near. As we begin this season of Advent, let our hearts awaken to Christ’s presence. Let Him teach us to stand firm in hope, to watch for His coming with joyful expectation, and to trust in His promises. Advent teaches us to live with courage and faith, ready to welcome Christ in every moment.
Christians from many backgrounds celebrate this time with reflections on hope, peace, love, and joy. And while their practices may look different, all focus on the hope-filled arrival of Jesus.
Wake up each day with this purpose in your heart and on your mind. Purpose has a way of transforming the way we live our lives. Allow the purpose of Advent to transform us. Advent provides opportunities to deepen our faith, and grow in our relationship with God through worship and reflection.