Why Do We Celebrate Advent?

Advent is a liturgical season celebrated by most Christian denominations during the four weeks preceding Christmas Day.  It is an important time of the year for Christians, but largely ignored by secular and popular culture.  It is typically overshadowed by the “holiday season” of shopping, parties and charity.  Most people think of Advent as a time to wait and prepare for Christmas, but this is only partially true.  Advent is distinct and deserves its own acknowledgement.  So why do we celebrate advent?

• To refocus on our eventual standing before Jesus, either at his second coming or after our physical death.
• To refocus on hope in our daily struggles, based on Jesus’s constant spiritual and sacramental presence.
• To prepare ourselves spiritually for a more meaningful Christmas celebration.

We refocus on the promise of Jesus that he will return, known as the “second coming” of Christ.  This doctrine is based on many biblical passages, and it will mark the end of the age, the end of the world as it exists.  Advent serves as a reminder that we need to be on guard and be ready to meet Jesus at any time, and account for our life choices. 

Therefore, Advent is a time of hope.  The hope of Jesus’ return also helps us to refocus on his Spiritual presence in our lives.  Advent is a time to reflect on the Eucharist and on being in communion with him.  This offers hope in our day to day lives, that Jesus is always with us, even in the midst of our problems and messy situations.  Hope is key – we all need it, and true hope is rooted in Jesus Christ.

Finally, Advent helps us to prepare for the upcoming Christmas season.  It allows us to live a hopeful people, which in turn allows us to celebrate Christmas Day, and identify with those who’s hope was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago.

In some ways, Advent is like Lent, in that it is an intense period of reflection in order to foster spiritual growth.  As Advent precedes Christmas, Lent precedes Easter.  However, Advent differs from Lent in that the latter focuses on individual atonement of sin through the Lord’s Passion while Advent focuses on hope, faith and love.  Central to Advent is the Incarnation, God’s Grace and his glorious plan to be with us through it all.

Take time this advent to put in the spiritual work for the health of your soul.  Increase your prayer and reflection on the wonderous will of God and his Love, as shown by His gift of Jesus Christ to teach, nourish and pave the way for eternal life.  Why do we celebrate Advent? Let his presence provide you lasting hope, peace and joy!