Advent Calendar

The season of Advent is upon us! During this holy season, we prepare our hearts for the three comings (“advents”) of Jesus Christ: in His birth on Christmas, at the end of time, and each day in the Eucharist. There are several traditions in the Church that assist us in our preparations. The lighting of the Advent wreath marks the four weeks of Advent. A Jesse tree traces Salvation History through Old Testament stories and figures to prepare for its culmination in the birth of the Messiah. Advent calendars are also another way to anticipate the great feast of Christmas. Yet again, some families place the empty Christmas crib out with pieces of straw, allowing family members who perform good deeds to add straw to the manger to prepare a warm bed for the Christ Child.  Any of these external practices is meant to prepare our hearts for the magnificent reality of the Birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The Advent calendar above provides some daily spiritual food for thought during this time of joyful expectation.

Doctrine: liturgical year, Advent, Jesus Christ