ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

1. How did God will to prepare the world for the coming of the Son of God?

God willed to prepare for the coming of the Son of God over a period of many centuries. He made everything converge on Christ: all the rituals and sacrifices, figures and symbols of the "First Covenant". He announces the Messiah through the mouths of the prophets who succeeded one another in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Moreover, he awakens in the hearts of the pagans a dim expectation of this coming. [522].

2. What was the role of St. John the Baptist in the preparation for the coming of the Son of God?

St. John the Baptist is the Lord's immediate precursor or forerunner, sent to prepare his way: "Prophet of the most high, John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last". (Lk 1:76; cf. 7:26, Mt 11:13). He inaugurates the Gospel, already from his mothers womb welcomes the coming of Christ, and rejoices in being "the friend of the bridegroom", whom he points out as the "lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world". (Jn 1:29: cf. Acts 1:22; Lk 1:41, 16:16; Jn 3:29). Going before Jesus, "in the spirit and power of Elijah, " John bears witness to Christ in his preaching, by his baptism of conversion, and through his martyrdom. (Lk 1:17; Mk 6:17-29).. [523].

3. Why does the Church celebrate the season of Advent each year?

Advent is the liturgical season of four weeks devoted to the preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. When the Church celebrates Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectation of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. (cf. Rev 22:17). By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom the Church unites herself to his desire "He must increase, but I must decrease". (Jn 3:30). [glossary, 524].

4. What are some characteristics of the season of Advent?

Advent represents a spirit of expectation. The word Advent means coming. It prepares our souls for repentance, and for the coming of the Christ child at Christmas. It has penitential overtones like Lent. It helps to counteract the secular emphasis during the Christmas season. It marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year. [523, 524].

5. What is an Advent wreath? What are some other Advent customs?

An Advent wreath contains three purple and one rose colored candles, the latter for the third week of Advent (Gaudete or rejoice Sunday). Another Advent custom is a nativity scene with Jesus and Joseph, a manger for the baby Jesus, farm animals, shepherds, and Magi coming from afar. Other customs are a Jesse tree named for David's father, an Advent house with many windows, an Advent calendar for personal preparation.

6. What is the origin of the seasons of Advent and Christmas?

Christmas became a popular feast after the 4th century, followed by the evolution of Advent as a season. In the 5th century it emphasized penance and fasting. By the end of the 6th century a four week period of preparation had developed.