I remember years ago when I rediscovered my faith while on retreat in a monastery which was situated in the mountains of New York. A peaceful silence enveloped me as I exited my car and gazed upon the snow-covered landscape. It was a simple place with simple monks. It was just the place I needed to renew my faith. I also began to plan the next phase of my post-college life.
Advent is the designated time in the liturgical calendar to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ. The arrival of the Messiah; the prince of peace; the Son of God. Why do we, as Catholics, need to prepare? Christmas is a monumental event in human history, not just for Catholics/Christians. God was made flesh and chose to reveal Himself to by assuming human nature and a body, for the purpose of the salvation of the entire world. The divine humility of God was shown in the event of Christmas. During Advent, we are given a few weeks to ponder the mystery of the Incarnation (God becoming man).
The Creator entering the world, assuming the nature of the creature, is unlike any other historical event found anywhere. The mystery of Redemption begins with the Incarnation. Technically, the Incarnation begins at the Annunciation, when the Holy Spirit came upon Mary. We celebrate this feast on March 25th every year. However, it is on Christmas that the world is shown a baby that will grow into the man who will teach, heal, suffer, be raised from the dead, and redeem the world from the captivity of sin.
Why is the liturgical color of Advent violet? Violet is the color associated with penance. For this reason the season of Lent is also violet. Many perceive penance as a dreadful, depressing time to make ourselves feel bad about things we have done or thought about. However, it is more the case that it is a beautiful time of self-correction and re-ordering ourselves based on the Image of the invisible God, Jesus Christ. In Lent, we prepare by re-orienting ourselves so we are ready for the death and resurrection of Christ. In Advent, we await the coming of the Son of God and prepare ourselves in a similar way by re-focusing our hearts and minds to the reason God became man. Pure love became flesh and that love deserves to be received by hearts and minds readjusted to Him who created us.
As we immerse ourselves in the sacred season of Advent, let us open our hearts to the profound mystery of Christmas. Beyond the festive lights and joyful carols lies a timeless truth—God, love itself, chose to dwell among us. This season is more than a celebration; it is a journey of reflection and meditation. Contemplate the miraculous birth of Christ, a gift of pure love. Set aside quiet moments of contemplation, that you may rediscover the essence of Christmas, allowing its transformative power to renew your spirit and inspire a renewal of heart and mind. May the wonder of the birth of Christ illuminate our hearts, and guide us toward a deeper connection with the true meaning of the Christmas season.
The Catholic Tutor 