Advent

Advent marks the beginning of the ecclesiastical year in the Christian Church, serving as the liturgical season of preparation for Christmas. In the Roman and derived liturgical calendars, it commences on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day (November 30), lasting for four weeks. The precise origins of Advent as a formal liturgical season remain uncertain, but as early as 380, a synod at Saragossa prescribed a period of penitential preparation before Christmas, indicating an ancient tradition of solemn reflection preceding the Nativity.

By the 7th century, Advent had become a tempus clausum (closed season), during which the solemnisation of marriage was generally prohibited. The Roman Advent liturgy, though penitential in tone, is distinct from Lent, combining themes of repentance with the joyful anticipation of Christ's birth. The season is marked by the use of violet vestments, the substitution of folded chasubles (a sleeveless outer vestment) and the omission of the Te Deum in Matins and the Gloria in the Mass. However, Advent is also rich in scriptural references to the coming of Christ, particularly drawing from the prophecies of Isaiah, accentuating both the expectation of the Messiah's birth and the Second Coming.

A notable feature of Advent is the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin for "Rejoice ye!"), which provides a moment of joyful anticipation within the otherwise solemn season. On this day, rose-coloured vestments may be worn and the organ, typically restrained during Advent, may be played.

Beyond the Roman Catholic liturgy, Advent is also observed in various Christian traditions. The Book of Common Prayer provides for its observance within Anglican worship, while Lutheran and Orthodox traditions incorporate their own distinctive practices, often extending the preparatory period or intentional fasting. Throughout history, Advent has remained a time of expectation, blending penitence with the promise of hope and divine fulfillment.