1. Meaning of advent:
Advent comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming." It is a time for preparing for the commemoration of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. It also anticipates his Second Coming.
2. No Christmas Carols
Christmas carols, reserved for the Christmas season, are not sung during Advent. One of the most ancient chants of the church, "O Come, O come Emmanuel" is often sung during Advent.
3. Advent Wreath
Candles on the Advent wreath are lighted each Sunday of Advent, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world
4. Symbolic Colors
The liturgical color of the season is violet, a sign of penance. The third Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday," taken from the Latin for the first words of the opening antiphon for the day's Mass, "Rejoice in the Lord always. " Priests wear rose vestments that day as a sign of rejoicing.
5. New Beginning
The beginning of Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year.
by George Matysek of CatholicReview.org
Advent comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming." It is a time for preparing for the commemoration of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. It also anticipates his Second Coming.
2. No Christmas Carols
Christmas carols, reserved for the Christmas season, are not sung during Advent. One of the most ancient chants of the church, "O Come, O come Emmanuel" is often sung during Advent.
3. Advent Wreath
Candles on the Advent wreath are lighted each Sunday of Advent, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world
4. Symbolic Colors
The liturgical color of the season is violet, a sign of penance. The third Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday," taken from the Latin for the first words of the opening antiphon for the day's Mass, "Rejoice in the Lord always. " Priests wear rose vestments that day as a sign of rejoicing.
5. New Beginning
The beginning of Advent marks the start of a new liturgical year.
by George Matysek of CatholicReview.org