Advent

What is it?

Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. It is a season of hope, preparation, expectation, and celebration — not just for Jesus’ anniversary of birth but also as a reminder of our redemption and of his promised second coming.

When does it start?

This year, Advent starts on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 in the Western Churches. The first Sunday is set as the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, which is on Nov. 30th.

How do I do it?

One way to observe this season is through prayer. Each Sunday of Advent has a set schedule of scripture readings. Read and reflect on the scripture passages for the Sunday. Two questions you might ask yourself are: What captures my attention? How am I called to respond? You may also choose to write down your thoughts and feelings on the verses in a special notebook.

Scripture Readings for the Four Sundays of Advent (2011)

• First Sunday of Advent
  1st: Isaiah 63.16b-17; 64.1, 3-8
  2nd: 1 Corinthians 1.3-9
  Gospel: Mark 13.31-37
• Second Sunday of Advent
  1st: Isaiah 40.1-5, 9-11
  2nd: 2 Peter 3.8-15
  Gospel: Mark 1.1-8
• Third Sunday of Advent
  1st: Isaiah 61.1-2a, 10-11
  2nd: 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24
  Gospel: John 1.6-8, 19-28
• Fourth Sunday of Advent
  1st: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
  2nd: Romans 16.25-27
  Gospel: Luke 1.26-38

For more information

Advent Symbolism & Prayers (Archdiocese of Toronto):
http://www.archtoronto.org/events_news/advent.html

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops Liturgical Calendar for Advent 2011:
http://nlo.cccb.ca/images/stories/2012_liturgical_calendar.pdf

Catholic Online Advent & Christmas 2011:
http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/

Definition of Advent at the Catholic Encyclopedia:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01165a.htm