Advent: A Time of Joyful Waiting and Faithful Anticipation

Advent, derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming or arrival,” has the basic nature of a time of preparation that spans a period that always has four Sundays. In fact, it always begins on a Sunday, the First Sunday of Advent, and concluding at sunset on December 24. So, contrary to what we hear and see in songs and décor, for example, on December 18, 21, or 24 in the morning, this time is not yet Christmas. While it is popularly associated with preparing for the Nativity of the Lord, the other important aspect of Advent is often missed, and this is the theme of the promise of Christ’s second coming.

As the liturgical season of Advent unfolds, we are invited, and here we borrow Pope Francis’ reflection, to reflect deeply on its dual theme: a joyful remembrance of Christ’s first coming, his Nativity, and a joyful anticipation of his second coming. This dual theme tells us the other important truth during Advent reminding us that our hope in our waiting is not something that is good, something wonderful and perhaps extraordinary. But our waiting is for a person, the person of the Son of God, the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior, he who comes to meet us in our lives. In fact, here the popular Bp. Robert Barron has a short video clip (insert link), which is very interesting to watch.

This preparation takes on a distinctive tone, marked by symbols and practices that reflect moderation and anticipation. The use of violet vestments, the absence of the singing of the Gloria during Mass, and the restrained decorations in churches are intentional, underscoring the season’s character as one of preparation and waiting rather than already a full celebration that is still to come in the evening of December 24. This attitude of preparation and waiting is also reflected in Advent hymns, readings, and prayers, which guide us to focus on the event that we recall on the evening of December 24, the mystery of God’s coming into the world.

As mentioned above, Pope Francis highlights the importance of this dual theme, encouraging us to joyfully remember Christ’s birth and to look forward with hopeful anticipation to his second coming. This perspective not only shapes how we observe Advent but also inspires us to maintain the spirit of waiting and readiness throughout the year.

In his reflections during the December Presbyterium Meeting, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. shared that Advent’s essence lies in nurturing this hopeful anticipation as we prepare for Christ’s coming. He reminded us that this season fosters an attitude of faithful waiting, guiding us to carry its spirit into our daily lives as a witness to our belief that God has not only come many years ago in his Nativity, but intends and wishes to come into our lives to be born in our hearts every day.

He also borrowed Bp. Barron’s insights, saying that: Advent challenges us to recognize the three comings of Christ: 1) His historical birth in Bethlehem, 2) His daily presence in our lives through the Eucharist and prayer, and through people that we meet in our works of mercy and evangelization, and 3) His final coming at the end of time. Each coming is a manifestation of God’s promise to dwell among us, fulfilling our deepest longings and calling us to live in His image and likeness.

As we journey through this season of joyful waiting, let us keep alive the spirit of Advent by, among others, participating very consciously and actively in the Church’s special liturgy in the days of Advent. If I may add, let us participate consciously and actively in the beautiful Masses of our Misa de Gallo tradition.

(From the sharing of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., during the December Presbyterium Meeting on December 9, 2024.)