A new year is almost upon us. Advent is the beginning of the Catholic liturgical year. It starts, in the most natural of ways as anticipation. The beginning of all life, the expectation of a birth – the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We have special songs, colors, traditions, food. All these things leading us gently an surely to Christmas. Advent is very special and beautiful.
It is also somewhat of a challenge. There is such an emphasis in our culture on the material aspects of Christmas. The gifts, the malls, the stuff overwhelm the manger and the star and the little baby long ago who brought so much to us all. The birth that brought us everything is smothered in the everything we buy. Advent is a bit of liturgical magic that shifts us out of a life of stuff and into the life of the church. It is joy, peace, hope and love. It is a time for preparation, faith building, memory making, family, songs, lights, and understanding. So, not to belabor a good point here are the basics.
The Dates For 2008
Advent begins Sunday, November 30
Feasts:
Simply Catholic 