In the Western Rite, we just entered Advent this past Sunday, Nov 30, the Feast of the Holy Apostle Andrew. In the Western tradition, Advent is a 'looking backward and forward' season. What does that mean? We look back at our Lord's birth in the manger of Bethlehem AND we look forward to His Second Coming at the end of the age. Both of these themes run through Advent in the Western liturgical tradition. Besides being a season of anticipation, it also remains one of penitence and fasting. Though not as intense as Great Lent, Advent still retains that more solemn tone with the violet vestments and altar hangings, the removal of the joyful Gloria in the Liturgy and the Alleluias in the Gradual (right before the Gospel) and the more solemn dismissal of 'Let us bless the Lord' at the end of the Liturgy. All of these help to remind us that this season of anticipation is also one of serious spiritual preparation and reflection.
Let us use this short season, only about 3 1/2 weeks this year, to faithfully prepare ourselves to celebrate the joyful feast of the Holy Nativity so that Christ may be born again in us, filling us with His eternal life and light.
To God be the glory,
Fr Stephen
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