“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”
These words in sacred scripture resonate as the universal church
welcomes today the season of Advent, a period of preparation for Christmas.
Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”
Advent begins four Sundays before Dec. 25, when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago.
“Advent is a preparation for Christmas. The decorations we see everywhere manifest our joy. But let’s not just settle on that. We also have to prepare for the second coming of Jesus,” said Msgr. Esteban Binhay, episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
The circular shape of the Advent wreath represents the eternal God, who neither has a beginning nor an end. The color green stands for hope.
Four candles on the wreath—three purple and one rose or pink—are lighted every Sunday of the season in churches as well as at home.
The candles symbolize the four weeks of Advent, which according to tradition symbolize 4,000 years from the time of Adam and Eve to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Purple, the season’s color, symbolizes penance. The rose-colored candle is lighted on the third Sunday of Advent also known as “Gaudete” or joyful Sunday. The rose color is a symbol of joy.
Advent ends on the sunset of Dec. 24
While the season is a prelude to Christmas, it also anticipates Jesus Christ’s return for the final judgment.
Msgr. Binghay said the best way to prepare for both occasions is to reconcile oneself with God.
“Confession cleanse one’s being. It washes the conscience from (wordly and sinful) attachments,” the prelate said.
As people wait in joyful hope for Jesus’ coming, Binghay said one should be “on guard and prayerful.”
“Let us not be manipulated by things of this world. We should be watchful for He comes at a time when we least expect it,” Binghay said.