As the Christmas season approaches, a significant part of the Christian calendar known as Advent takes center stage. Advent, which means “coming” in Latin, is a time of preparation and waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ, both in commemorating His birth and anticipating His second coming. The origin of Advent dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries, when Christians began to set aside a period of time to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. The length of Advent varies, but it generally consists of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. Each Sunday, a candle is lit on Advent wreaths, symbolizing the growing light of Christ coming into the world.
The themes of Advent are traditionally represented by four different candles: hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles serve as reminders of the waiting and preparation involved in this season. Each week, one candle is lit, and readings from the Bible are shared that reflect on the corresponding theme.
Hope, the first Advent candle, represents the anticipation and longing for the promised Messiah. It symbolizes the hope that Jesus brings into the world, a hope that transcends the challenges and struggles we face in our daily lives. It reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness and promises, even in times of darkness.
Peace, the second candle, signifies the peace that Jesus brings to our hearts and the world. It reminds us of the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds on that first Christmas night: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men.” It invites us to seek inner peace and to work towards peace in our relationships, communities, and the world.
Joy, the third candle, captures the joyous anticipation of the birth of Jesus. It reminds us that the coming of Christ is a reason to rejoice and be glad. It teaches us to find joy in the midst of our daily lives, despite the challenges we may face. This joy transcends temporary circumstances and points us to the eternal joy that comes from our relationship with God.
Love, the fourth candle, represents the ultimate expression of God’s love for humanity. It reminds us of the selfless act of God sending His Son into the world out of love for us. It calls us to love one another, just as Christ loved us. It encourages us to extend kindness, compassion, and forgiveness to those around us.
Advent is a time of reflection, anticipation, and preparation. It serves as a reminder to slow down, to be present, and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It invites us to deepen our relationship with God and to align our hearts and lives with His purposes. It is a season of hope, peace, joy, and love that prepares us to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ into our lives once again. As we embark on this Advent journey, may we embrace the message of hope, peace, joy, and love. May we be reminded of the significance of Christ’s coming and of the promise of His second coming. And may this season of preparation draw us closer to God and lead us to live with purpose and love in the world.
-Fr. Leslie Gomes