Ko te Wā o te Aweneti | The Season of Advent

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Dio Comms Team

Published on

November 29, 2024

Advent – Te Wā o Aweneti

 

The significance of Advent

The four-week Season of Advent is a time of prayerful and practical ways to prepare for the celebration of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas Day. Christ was born to bring hope to a darkened world. The Season of Advent offers us a new beginning and a promise of hope for better times.

The New Zealand National Liturgy Office says that Advent has a twofold character: “as a time to prepare for the solemnity of Christmas when the Son of God’s first coming to us is remembered, and as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time.” 

The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” The readings during Advent reflect themes of waiting, longing and hoping for the coming of Jesus. 

These themes are also reflected in the symbolism of the candles that are lit each week during advent. Traditionally, there are three purples (representing Hope, Love and Peace) and one pink candle (representing Joy). The progressive lighting of the candles also symbolises the expectation and hope of the season.

Advent Traditions for your whānau

We’ve put together a few (probably familiar) traditions that you could make special this year. They might be things you’ve been doing for a long time, yet there might be new ways to bring them to life in your own place during this season. 

These traditions help us to focus on the real ‘reason for the season’ and bring to life the stories of faith that have been passed on for generations. As this year comes to an end, may we find joy in the gift of advent and the promise of Jesus’ birth that we anticipate.

Light a candle each week

The Advent Wreath is a tradition which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home.

Usually, three candles are purple and one is rose, but white candles can also be used. The progressive lighting of the candles symbolises the expectation and hope surrounding the advent season. Different prayers can be prayed each week as you light the candle, beginning with a blessing of the wreath on the First Sunday of Advent.

Click here for a wreath blessing prayer

Make your own Jesse Tree

This is another tradition you might be familiar with from your parish. Why not have one at home?

A Jesse tree helps us connect the custom of decorating Christmas trees to the events leading to Jesus’ birth. The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history.

Click here for resources to create your own

Count down to Christmas

While secular Advent calendars are often filled with non-religious imagery and focus on the excitement of Christmas, a Catholic Advent calendar invites us to participate more deeply in the true spirit of the season.

Each day offers a chance for prayer, reflection, and a reminder that our Advent journey is about awaiting the birth of Jesus and preparing our hearts for His arrival.

Click here for Catholic calendar ideas

Set up a Nativity Scene

Even though the Nativity is one of the most recognised traditions, this year might provide the opportunity to learn more about its history and make it a central part of your home during Advent.

Have you got your own set? If so, you might want spend some time reflecting on the significance of it. If not, you could look into finding one of your own. Both Pleroma Christian Supplies and Manna Christian Stores have a wide range to choose from both online and instore.

In 2019 Pope Francis said that the “nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture.”

Click here to read Pope Francis' reflection

Sign up for daily Advent reflections

Reflect on God’s incredible plan to draw as close as possible to us by becoming one of us. This Advent, commit to praying daily and deepen your connection with Him.

One way you can do this is by signing up for a series of daily reflections, delivered straight to your inbox, to guide you through the season of preparation.

Visit Food For Faith to sign up

Music to celebrate the season

We’ve put together a playlist of songs to guide you through this time of preparation and anticipation.

In a season where Christmas songs tend to fill the speakers of malls and shops from late-November, it can be easy to avoid music at this time.

However, this year you might like to be more intentional about the music that you listen to. This playlist provides some suggestions of songs that can help lead into prayer in the Advent Season.

Countdown to Christmas

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