Over the past year, I've been exploring different aspects of my journey to the Catholic church and what it all means, or at least some of it. And this month is no different! Today is the Solemnity of Our Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, also known as Christ the King Sunday, also known as the last Sunday in the liturgical year. Next week, everything starts over with Advent. As with the calendar year, I pondered making some New Year's resolutions, Liturgical calendar style. But considering that those kind of resolutions generally do not last long, I decided to pass and consider the meaning of Advent instead.
According to the EWTN website: "Advent always contains four Sundays, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24." It is considered a time of preparation that combines a penitential spirit (a la Lent) with the joy of the coming Christ child. Catholic.org describes Advent as more than preparation but a vision of life as a Christian. "The vision of life that Advent gives us is twofold; it looks back to the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem, and it looks to the future when Christ will come again. In the interval between these two events we find meaning for our life as a Christian." Powerful statements of meaning for something so seemingly insignificant.
Advent is often overlooked outside of the liturgical calendar. Stores jump straight from Halloween to Christmas with barely a nod at Thanksgiving in between. In the rush of modernity and materialism that seems to define the holiday season, we have almost forgotten that Advent exists. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is jam packed with holiday parties, gatherings, celebrations, recitals, concerts and many other activities. In focusing so much on the joy of the Bethlehem birth, we have forgotten the rest of the story which is still being written: the story of preparing our lives so we are ready when Christ comes again.
The question is then: how do I celebrate Advent as it is intended as "a vision of life and hope for the future." (Why is Advent Important?)
There are many different traditions from daily readings, fasting, advent wreaths, and an awesome DIY advent candle. I'm still contemplating how I'm going to celebrate Advent this year.
How do you celebrate Advent? What are your favorite traditions? Catholic or not... I'd love to hear your ideas and maybe I'll include them in the Advent 2013 adventure!
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Journey into Catholicism
Jan - Epiphany
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Ordinary Time
September - Waiting in Anticipation
October - A Year's Reflection
November - Advent Preparation
December - Christmas
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Ordinary Time
September - Waiting in Anticipation
October - A Year's Reflection
November - Advent Preparation
December - Christmas
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