The first Sunday of Advent not only marks the new liturgical year of the Catholic Church, it also ushers in what is historically known as The Little Lent. This precedes the Christmas season by fasting, prayer and confession.
As a house is cleaned in anticipation of the arrival of holiday guests, so too, the faithful are admonished to cull and cleanse their hearts and minds. Christians believe that it's important to observe Advent so that they may be worthy to celebrate the anniversary of Christ coming into the world.
Advent and the Catholic Rite in Mass
The traditional length of the season runs from the nearest Sunday after the Feast of Saint Andrew through the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The Mass also prepares within for the Little Lent of Advent, for the celebrants wear purple vestments. This color, as is the first three candles of the wreath are used to denote both the repentance, an emptying of sin and the invitation to the joyful expectation of the coming birth of redemption.
To follow with the sacrifice, the Te Deum, the gladsome hym of praise and thanksgiving is omitted from the lituragy as is the Gloria in excelsis. The purpose is to keep hearts in touch with the the unfolding of the Liturical year as it begins with self-denial; Christians also look to the celebration and rejoice that is to come.
The Music of Advent
With each season in the liturgical year, specific hymns are sung in accordance to their significance of the time.
Advent, since it is the period of preparation, the songs reflect and exemplify the importance and validity for the faith in the belief that the coming birth of Christ is offers new hope for Christians.
Advent's Spirit
"'Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,' so announced, John the Baptist, so thatthe cry of 'Oh come oh come Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel' could not only be heard, but be answered." These two lines contain all the meaning and the importance of the season for Christians who observe Advent. For in both, the news from the prophets is coming to pass and there is joy to be found in reaching for the hope to be forgiven for the sins committed and in the shadow of the sin that shall be committed.
Therein lies the duality and paradox of Advent. On one hand, Christians reafirm their faith in God's promise for the Redeemer. And yet, within that promise, Christians see the cavet, as the Son of Mary is born only to die on the cross.
The Magnificat Advent Companion, 2009; Magnificat USA LLC, New York, 2009
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