Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Advent begins this year on Sunday, Dec. 1. Many Catholics are familiar with Advent traditions such as wreaths with candles and calendars with hidden chocolates, but the season holds deeper significance.

The people of Israel long awaited a Messiah to free them from captivity and fulfill God's promises. John the Baptist foretold that Jesus Christ was this Messiah, calling him the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world."

Advent is a time for renewing anticipation for Christ's coming. Although Jesus has already arrived, the Church encourages believers to deepen their longing for his presence in their lives and his eventual return.

The season also involves preparing spiritually for Christmas, beyond just practical activities like tree decorating and gift-giving. The faithful are invited to engage in silence, prayer, reflection, Scripture reading, and participating in sacraments.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Advent aims to rekindle "ancient expectancy of the Messiah … by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming."

The term 'Advent' originates from Latin words meaning "to come toward," signifying Christ's arrival into hearts and God's salvation plan.

Each year Advent spans four Sundays before Christmas. Its length varies due to Christmas falling on different weekdays.

The liturgical year starts with Advent, marking a new cycle of feasts and celebrations within the Church calendar.

Advent wreaths have been used since medieval times. Their candles symbolize Christ as light of the world while evergreen boughs signify eternal life through him.

Historically, Germanic peoples lit candle wreaths during winter before Christianity reached them. This tradition became a Christian symbol reflecting how Gospel truths adapt across cultures.

Four candles adorn an Advent wreath: three purple ones lit on most Sundays; one rose-colored candle is used on Gaudete Sunday (the third Sunday), when priests also wear rose vestments. Gaudete means “rejoice,” celebrating being halfway through Advent with some hosting parties or caroling door-to-door.

Purple candles often represent prayer, fasting, and almsgiving—spiritual disciplines essential for meaningful observance during this period.

While singing Christmas songs isn't wrong during Advent there are specific hymns associated with it such as O Come Emmanuel or Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding among others which capture its spirit better than typical holiday tunes might do alone

Families decide individually when they put up trees at home: some start early while others wait until later dates like St Lucy’s feast day (Dec 13) known for bringing light into darkness; another option includes setting everything up closer towards Gaudete itself so decorations reflect joy felt throughout final weeks leading up until actual celebration occurs thereafter accordingly based upon personal preference shared among those involved together collectively regardless thereof

Traditionally Germans marked days counting down till December using chalk tallies drawn onto walls doors etc., eventually evolving into modern-day advent calendars thanks largely due efforts made by figures including Gerhard Lang who pioneered concept introducing cut-out doors revealing devotional images scripture passages behind each opening daily basis initially then transitioning further development process whereby British chocolatiers added sweet treats hidden inside compartments starting around late fifties onwards respectively following popularity surge experienced stateside once photos emerged showing President Eisenhower’s grandchildren enjoying said items back then previously unknown otherwise altogether entirely unfamiliar beforehand prior thereto overall