The word
"advent," from the Latin adventus (Greek parousia),
means "coming" or "arrival." The Advent Season is
focused on the "coming" of Jesus as Messiah (Christ or King).
Christian worship, Bible readings, and prayers not only prepare us spiritually
for Christmas (his first coming), but also for his eventual second coming. This
is why the Bible readings during Advent include both Old Testament passages
related to the expected Messiah, and New Testament passages concerning Jesus'
second coming as judge of all. Also, passages about John the Baptist, the
precursor who prepared the way for the Messiah, are read. All of these themes are
present in Catholic worship during Advent, which The Catechism succinctly
describes:
“When the Church
celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient
expectancy 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. By
celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to
his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (524).”
Since Advent looks
forward to Christ's birth and Incarnation, it is an appropriate way to begin
the Church Year. However, Advent is not part of the Christmas
season itself, but a preparation for it. Thus, Catholics do not sing Christmas
hymns, or use Christmas readings, in Mass until December 25th, the first day of
the Christmas season.
(With thanks to ChurchYear.Net)
