Christmas, that most wonderful time of the year, is always preceded by Advent. As the first season in the liturgical year, most of us know that Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting for the birth of Christ. But many might not be aware that Advent has often been called a “little Lent.” Why is this so?
One reason is the profound connection between Lent and Advent. It is not difficult to see the beauty of Christ’s birth in the sweet manger scene, where the Infant is wrapped in swaddling clothes and adored by Mary and Joseph. Yet, in truth, we are not naive witnesses to this scene. We all know that there is a scene to come—one that involves the Way of the Cross and the Crucifixion. This reality is very close to the reality of Christmas. Indeed, it is what makes the original nativity scene so poignant.
Another, related reason why Advent has been called a “little Lent” is that, like Lent, it is a penitential season. Advent used to be forty days but was formalized to four weeks in the 9th century, which is why we now have the four Sundays of Advent. The Mass itself assumes a more somber tone during Advent. The priests wear violet vestments, as they do during Lent, since purple is the liturgical color that signifies repentance and sorrow for sin.
The Gloria is also removed from the beginning of Mass during Advent, just as it is during Lent.
Unlike Lent, the penitential observances of Advent always have a festive character to them, which is why we retain the Alleluia during Advent, but not during Lent.
Both Advent and Lent are seasons of preparation. We prepare for the coming of the Savior in Advent (both commemorating His birth and looking forward to His second coming at the end of time) and we prepare for His Passion, death, and Resurrection in Lent. Lent and Advent are distinct from Easter and Christmas, even though they prepare us for them. Just as Easter does not begin until after nightfall on Holy Saturday (the beginning of the Easter Vigil), Christmas doesn’t actually begin until the first Mass is celebrated on Christmas Eve, which is when we officially enter the beautiful season of Christmas and Christmastide.
Are you wondering how to get started with your Advent preparations? A great saint and thinker of the Church wants to help you out. Journey alongside St. John Henry Newman in his powerful book Waiting for Christ: Meditations for Advent and Christmas and find yourself transformed when Christ comes at Christmas! A few minutes a day with St. John Henry Newman’s beautiful meditations will fill your Advent and Christmas with the joy, wonder, and peace of Christ’s coming. Order a copy from The Catholic Company today and receive it in time for Advent!
