What is the Season of Advent? How long does it last? Why does it begin the Liturgical Year?

This season has a twofold character: it is a preparation for Christmas, when the first coming of Christ is remembered; and it is a season in which our remembrance of Christ’s first coming directs our hearts and minds to await his Second Coming at the end of the Age.


During this time, the Church enters into a season of penitential preparation, as we wait for the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. It shares a few liturgical characteristics with Lent, such as the absence of the Gloria and the use of Violet Vestments. However, the penances of Advent have a festive character, which explains why the Alleluia is still sung during this season.

Both Advent and Lent prepare us for the great feasts in the life of Our Lord Jesus Christ, however, what differentiates the two is that during Advent, we anticipate Christ’s Incarnation, whereas Lent prepares us for the culmination of that Incarnation, His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection (the Paschal Mystery).

Thus, the season is both somber and festive, as we await the birth of a Child, which is a festive occasion, but not just any ordinary Child, but our long-awaited Messiah, who conquers death and sin.

During this Season, every parish assembles an Advent Wreath: a circular wreath of fresh leaves with four candles, symbolizing the four Sundays of Advent. Each candle is successively lit on each Advent Sunday that passes, and remains lit for the rest of the Season.

Each candle is traditionally attributed to a specific Christian disposition, namely; Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Although this is a later popular addition, it is noteworthy that as we progress deeper into the Advent season, we are called to strive and aspire for these values.

Hope begins the Advent season because it reminds us of the gift of salvation promised to us by God. (Genesis 3:15)

Peace proceeds from hope since we are reminded that all who work for peace cooperate in the vision of God for creation (Isaiah 9:6).

Joy proceeds from peace because our hearts and souls are filled with the assurance of the invincible triumph of God over Satan. (Luke 2:10)

Love proceeds from joy since we become witnesses to Love made flesh, (John 3:16) and this Love will reign undisputed over all of creation.