by Joan DeMerchant

In the midst of pre-holiday hyperactivity, we are offered this quiet season of reflection on Christ’s coming among us, especially in unexpected moments. As with our ancestors in faith, his final return is unknown to us, so we probably don’t think about it very much. But how aware are we of his presence to us now? Have we thought about what our response might be however or whenever he makes himself known to us? Advent is our time to do this.

SOURCE: National Catholic Reporter: Cycle A Sunday Resources feature series. View the full series.

ADAPTED FROM FR. MICK’S 2017 COLUMN

Today’s first reading and Gospel also remind us that Advent is a time for repentance and new beginnings. Advent does not have the deep penitential character of Lent, but it does call us to prepare for the (second) coming of the Lord, which should prompt us to ask how ready we are if he comes during this season of longing for his return in glory.

These texts could serve well for an Advent penance service, too, so planners might keep them in mind. There may seem to be some contradiction between these texts and the idea that Advent is a joyful season of anticipation. The key is to recognize that God’s mercy is a reason for joy and that we cannot rejoice in God’s love if we are living in a way that keeps us distant from God. Repentance leads to forgiveness which leads to transformation and joy. Preachers and planners should keep that perspective in mind when preparing homilies and prayer texts and choosing music for this season.

Advent is here, but it won’t be here long. This year is as short as it can be. The fourth week of Advent will be only one day (actually less than a day if you have Christmas Eve Masses earlier than your usual Saturday Mass). So it behooves us to make the most of the three full weeks we have for this season this year.

Will the environment of the worship space this weekend proclaim the change of season? Will people entering the church recognize quickly that Ordinary Time is over and the season of preparation is here? Though they are very different seasons, there are still some similarities between Advent and Lent. Both use violet vestments, both call for minimal décor and restrained music, and both are preparatory periods.

Here are a few other ideas:

1. Use purple fabrics, banners, or linens when decorating the church.

2. Advent wreath: Create or use an Advent wreath with four candles, one for each week of Advent. Place the wreath on the altar or another prominent location and light the first candle, symbolizing the first week of anticipation.

3. Symbols of waiting and anticipation: Incorporate symbols such as empty mangers, empty cradles, or images of the earth awaiting the Messiah’s arrival. These symbols can be placed near the Advent wreath or in other appropriate locations in the church.

4. Advent calendar: Set up an oversized Advent calendar in a visible area of the church, where each day leading up to Christmas, a new door can be opened to reveal a Scripture verse, devotion, or image related to the season.

5. Hanging of the Greens: Invite the congregation to participate in the Hanging of the Greens ceremony, where they can bring and place evergreen branches, wreaths, or other symbols of life and new growth around the church. This activity can be done during the service or as a separate event before or after the Sunday service.

6. Dim lighting: Create a more subdued and reflective atmosphere by dimming the lights in the sanctuary. This can help emphasize the sense of waiting and anticipation during the Advent season.