1. A Season of waiting in hope
Advent
A Season of waiting in hope

2. Advent – The Meaning of the Word
From “adventus”; a Latin translation of the Greek word “parousia”.
“Parousia” meant “arrival” or “official visit”.
When the early Church referred to the “parousia”, or arrival, it referred to…

3. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
…and you will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven (Mk 14:62)

4. The Most Well Known Advent Hymn

5. Why the connection to Christmas?
Christmas was not celebrated from the earliest days of the Church; best records indicate that it was first observed in the 4th century.
As Easter had a preparatory season, it seemed appropriate that Christmas have one also (as Christmas also celebrates a key “step” in our salvation); Advent is dated certainly to the 6th century, perhaps before.
The readings selected for the season stressed Old Testament hopes for the Messiah, reflecting the belief that these hopes were realized in the birth of Jesus, and be brought to their fullness in His Second Coming.
Thus the remembrance of the “First Coming” and the anticipation of the “Second Coming” were linked in this preparatory season.

6. The Spiritual Tone of the Season (1)
Some of the Advent readings feature John the Baptist preaching about the “One who will come after me, mightier than I”. John also stressed that people must themselves ready for this coming. He stressed Baptism, and in Luke’s gospel, living simply and giving to the poor.
Luke 3: And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

7. The Spiritual Tone of the Season (2)
We are invited to reflect upon the fullness of God’s Kingdom at the Second Coming. What do we expect? What do we hope for?
In what ways can we renew our Baptism? Participation in the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation; a recommitment to faith in Christ.
“Whoever has two tunics should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise” – participation in food/clothing drives or other ways to support the poor.
“Be content with your pay” - Live simply – do not get caught up in the material aspects of the “Holiday Season”. Don’t seek after expensive gifts.
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed”. Don’t cheat anyone; live justly.

8. Rejoice, Rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to you