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READINGS THE PROPHETS

ADVENT SUNDAYS The writings of the prophets (especially Isaiah) Each Advent takes on a particular char- and the images they use in their books find a spe- acter as suggested by the Gospel reading. cial place in Advent. However, it is important to remember that we read the prophets not because I The Lord’s coming in glory at the end of they somehow detail specific details of the coming time (the parousia) of Jesus, but because of the intimate relation between the longing that they express and the ful- II and III and his message of repa- CELEBRATING filment that Jesus brings. The plan and pattern of ration and repentance the Old Testament directs us to the coming of IV Events that immediately prepared for the Christ and to the messianic kingdom that he inau- THE SEASON OF Lord’s birth gurates. In the works of the prophets, the Church finds the language and symbols that helps it ADVENT The Old Testament readings are prophecies about express the mystery of the coming of the Saviour. the coming of the Lord and the promise of mes- sianic fulfilment. The writings of the prophet Isaiah are especially prominent during Advent. “O” ANTIPHONS

The selections from the writing of the Apostles In the week before , a series of antiphons offer instructions and exhortations on the different are found for the Canticle of Mary () at themes and ideas of the season. Evening Prayer. These are the “”, so- Behold, the Saviour comes! called because each one of them begins with the ADVENT WEEKDAYS interjection “O”. They have been a part of the The readings of the first part of Advent centre on Advent liturgy since the Middle Ages. Each one a semi-continuous reading of the prophet Isaiah, acclaims a title of the coming Lord and then invites with gospel passages that reflect a sense of fulfil- him to act in accord with that title. ment of the reading. Although historically a part of the Office, they are During the second week, the gospel readings today also found at where they are sung as introduce us to John the Baptist as the one who the verses for the Gospel Acclamation. prepares us for the coming of the Lord (at Christ- mas and at the end of time) through his message These verses reflect the cry of the Church in the of repentance. last days of Advent: Come, Lord Jesus!

Finally, beginning on December 17th, the gospel National Liturgy Office CCCB readings from Matthew and Luke recount the Celebrating the Season of Advent Liturgical Leaflet edited by the National 2500 Don Reid Drive Liturgy Office, and published by Publications Service, Canadian Conference Ottawa, ON. K1H 2J2 Canada events that prepared for the Lord’s birth. The first of Catholic Bishops, 2500 Don Reid Drive, Ottawa, ON. K1H 2J2 Canada. readings present important messianic passages Copyright © Concacan Inc., 2006. All rights reserved. This text may be repro- Copyright © Concacan Inc., 2006 duced for personal or parish use. For commercial licence, please contact the E-mail: [email protected] that relate to the gospel text. publisher. Phone: 1-613.241.9461 Ext. 223 Advent marks the beginning of the . ASPECTS OF THE SEASON ADVENT FEASTS While it expresses the deep longing of all human- Violet . Rather than penance, the use ity for God, it celebrates the three-fold coming of The first part of Advent allows for the celebration of violet in Advent reflects longing and anticipa- th the Lord: remembering the events that surround- of feasts of the saints; from December 17 to tion. Some parishes use a blue-toned purple (the ed the Lord’s coming long ago, celebrating his Christmas, the liturgy and readings of the day royal purple) to express the season. Blue vest- coming among us today, and looking forward to have priority. ments are not used in Canada. Rose vestments his final coming in glory. may be used on the third (Gaudete) Sunday to Mary plays a prominent role in Advent; it is the Advent is a season of devout and joyful expecta- signal the mid-point of the season. season in which she finds a special place as the tion. Its four Sundays (with its actual length deter- The Glory to God is not sung and the organ and one who gives herself to the service of the Word. mined by the weekday of Christmas) highlight our other musical instruments are used in moderation, December 8th: celebrates Mary’s own sinless con- desire and longing for peace, justice and unity. not as a sign of penance, but to allow us to antici- ception (which is not to be identified with the vir- pate the full joy of December 25th, when they are The first part of Advent looks forward to the parou- taken up again. Flowers too may be used, but in gin birth of Jesus); this is fulfilled in the commem- th sia, the Lord’s glorious return at the end of time moderation so as to leave a sense of abundance oration of her birth on September 8 . Mary is the and reflects on his presence among us today. for the Nativity. perfect Advent model of what the Church is called to be. The second part – from December 17th to 24th – is Alleluia continues to be sung in the Gospel Accla- a direct preparation for Christmas the yearly com- mation and in other songs.This is the clearest indi- December 12th: Our Lady of Guadalupe (commem- memoration of Jesus’ coming among us in human cation that Advent is a season of expectation orating the apparitions to Juan Cuauhtlatoatxin in flesh. rather than of penance. Mexico in 1531) has particular significance in North Although the length of Advent once extended Advent . Although originally used in home America in which she is celebrated as patroness. In back to November 11th and was generally cele- prayer, the wreath has found a place in the Advent Canada, it is a for Aborigi- brated as a season of penance (St. Martin’s ), decoration of the church building. Its evergreen cir- nal People. its character today is expressed in terms of antic- cle and four candles reflect the passage of the Many countries had a tradition called the Rorate ipation, longing and incompleteness. Enlivened Advent season. It is often blessed at the beginning Masses: special celebrations in honour of Mary and united in the Spirit, we journey through of Mass on the First Sunday. during Advent. Older calendars included a num- Advent toward the consummation of human histo- Reconciliation. Although not a season of penance, ber of reflective feasts (for example, her Betrothal ry and prepare for the Christmas feast. Advent is reconciliation (through penance services and per- to Joseph and her Waiting (Expectation) for the a period of quietness and moderation; a time sonal celebration of the sacrament) finds a special inspired by anticipation rather than penance; a place in the season. The sacrament is celebrated Birth). Although these celebrations are not includ- season that acknowledges our incompleteness. as we prepare a welcome for the Lord and seek to ed in the current liturgical books, Mary’s role is approach his coming with hearts free of sin and clearly expressed, especially in the days directly filled with praise. before Christmas.

* * * Waiting. Advent is a time of longing and waiting Joseph’s role in the mystery is the particular focus for the Lord to come. Premature decoration of the of the Fourth Sunday (Year C) and of the week- church building and early use of Christmas songs days before Christmas. His response to the at liturgy compromise the spirit of expectation. Lord, make us turn to you; angel’s message must be mirrored in the let us see your face Do “Christmas” parties limit our appreciation of the response of each Christian to the call to service of and we shall be saved. coming season? the Word.