Background Information
Advent, the season of preparation, is the first season in the Christian liturgical year. The season begins on the Sunday closest to the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle and concludes on Christmas Eve, the 24th of December (USCCB, 2015). The season is a four week preparation for the celebration of the Lord made incarnate through the birth of Christ (USCCB, 2015). Advent derives from the Latin word ‘advenio’ meaning ‘to come’ (Storer, 2007). This season signifies the coming of Christ and therefore, Christology. During this period of the Church year, Christians have the opportunity to reflect on the past, present and future as the Christian faith is celebrated (BCE, 2015).
This season encompasses spiritual preparation and eagerness to celebrate in the birth of Christ. Catholics participate in this season through the traditions of prayer and worship, setting up the Jesse tree, lighting the Advent Wreath and recreating the Nativity scene (Martin, 1998). The season is situated after Ordinary Time and leads into the Christmas season. Catholic schools celebrate the coming of Christ through Eucharist and non-Eucharist masses, class liturgy, prayer and reflection (Brisbane Catholic Education, 2015).
This season encompasses spiritual preparation and eagerness to celebrate in the birth of Christ. Catholics participate in this season through the traditions of prayer and worship, setting up the Jesse tree, lighting the Advent Wreath and recreating the Nativity scene (Martin, 1998). The season is situated after Ordinary Time and leads into the Christmas season. Catholic schools celebrate the coming of Christ through Eucharist and non-Eucharist masses, class liturgy, prayer and reflection (Brisbane Catholic Education, 2015).