The Direction of Intention My God, give me the grace to perform this action with you and through love for you. In advance, I offer to you all the good that I will do and accept all the difficulty I may meet therein. Our Lady of Good Counsel, pray for us. Saint Francis de Sales, pray for us.

The Liturgical Season Advent is the beginning of the Church Year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). ***If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown. Advent as a distinct Liturgical Season begins to emerge in the 4 th century in France and quickly spread throughout the Church

The Liturgical Season Advent – Adventus (Latin) Parousia (Greek) The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival.“ Two-fold “coming” The Second Coming of Christ – The Parousia The consummation of what we anticipate (the End of Time). Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Advent, including themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life. (the First Sunday of Advent through December 16) The First Coming of Jesus in History – At Bethlehem It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God. (December 17 – 24)

The Liturgical Season Double focus on past and future leads to a third focus The Present “in-breaking” of Jesus into our lives Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey of individuals and a congregation, as they affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power.

The Liturgical Season Other Liturgical Elements of Advent All great feasts in the church were preceded by a time of preparation. Fasting, Increased Prayer and Works of Charity are part of the preparation. The Eastern Church, both Catholic and Orthodox, continues to observe what is known as St. Philip's Fast, from November 15 until Christmas Eve. Remnants of this in Western Church Polish: Wigilia Italian: Night of 7 Fish: La Vigilia One way we “fast” liturgically is to omit the joyful hymn, the Gloria from Mass during Advent.

The Liturgical Season Liturgical Feasts during Advent Saint Andrew, Apostle, Feast, November 30th St. Nicholas, Optional Memorial, December 6 th Immaculate Conception, Solemnity, December 8 th Our Lady of Guadalupe, Feast in U.S., December 12th St. Lucy, Memorial, December 13 th

The Signs and Symbols of Advent The color Purple This is the color of penitence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the King. ROSE – Used on 3 rd Sunday of Advent – Gaudete(Latin)Rejoice – Your Salvation is near. The Advent Wreath Widespread use in Western church by early Middle Ages Evergreen branches – symbol of God’s enduring love in winter. 4 Candles – symbolizing watchful waiting - the light of Christ breaking into the darkness

The Signs and Symbols of Advent The Jesse Tree Is a depiction in art of the Ancestors of Christ, shown in a tree which rises from Jesse of Bethlehem, the father of King David It originates in a passage in the Biblical Book of Isaiah which describes metaphorically the descent of the Messiah and is accepted by Christians as referring to Jesus.

The Signs and Symbols of Advent The Advent Calendar A take on the Jesse Tree – Used to help prepare children with Bible stories of the coming of the Messiah Lessons and Carols The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told with Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Advent Carols.

The “O” Antiphons The O Antiphons are Magnificat antiphons used at Vespers of the last seven days of Advent. December 17: O Sapientia (O Wisdom) December 18: O Adonai (O Lord) December 19: O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse) December 20: O Clavis David (O Key of David) December 21: O Oriens (O Dayspring) December 22: O Rex Gentium (O King of the nations) December 23: O Emmanuel (O God is with Us)

Advent Meditation The Crib, the Cross, and the Crown are closely connected. Advent takes its meaning from Christ's passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Spirit. Advent is a time of anticipation that the Kingdom of God is at hand It is a grace-filled season of new hope, new life, and new love. There is a sense of urgency in Advent that wakes us up from our complacency. Advent should challenge us to prepare ourselves and our world for the full coming of the kingdom of peace and justice.