What You Need to Know About Advent
In December, Advent is celebrated by Catholics all around the world to prepare for Christmas, the birth of our savior, and wait for the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent originated from the Latin word “adventus,” which translates into “arrival” or “coming.” Grab your Advent calendar, as it’s time to go over what you need to know about this period of time. St. Cloud private schools have the answers to your child’s questions!
Four Weeks
Advent is a period of four Sundays and weeks prior to Christmas. It helps prepare and remember what the true meaning of Christmas is. Our hearts and minds await the arrival of the anniversary of the Lord’s birth. On each Advent Sunday, a candle is lit to get into the spirit of the holiday.
The Wreath
A longstanding Catholic tradition to celebrate Advent it to put a wreath is up. It’s best to place the wreath at the entrance of your home, office, or other institution. Your child is encouraged to look at it and think about the meaning of the holiday. The wreath, with all of its greenery, represents continuous life. The circular shape symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, as it has no beginning or end to its shape.
Candles
The candles represent the four weeks and have their own special meaning. Three of the candles are purple, while the other is pink. Violet is a liturgical color that symbolizes prayer, sacrifice, and penance.
Prophecy Candle
The first purple candle represents hope and is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” to remember the prophets, specifically Isaiah. The candle is lit in anticipation of the arriving messiah.
Bethlehem Candle
The second candle is also purple and symbolizes faith. Named after the city of Bethlehem, where Christ was born, it acts as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to the biblical city.
Shepard’s Candle
The “Shepard’s Candle” is pink to present the liturgical color of joy. The third Sunday, called the Gaudete Sunday, is a day that reminds us of all the joy experienced by the world when Jesus was born. Additionally, it represents the joy of being midway through Advent.
Angel’s Candle
The final candle on the fourth week of Advent is a purple candle that marks the final week of prayer. It symbolizes peace and reiterates the angels’ message, “peace on Earth, good will toward men.”
Fasting
Scholars are not sure exactly when Catholics started observing Advent. In the 5th Century CE, monks started fasting weekly in November. Now, Advent encourages families to fast in order to repent and pray.
At St. Cloud private schools, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at the Diocese of Orlando by dialing 407-246-4800.