“Advent has a twofold character, for it is a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas, in which the First Coming of the Son of God to humanity is remembered, and likewise a time when, by remembrance of this, minds and hearts are led to look forward to Christ’s Second Coming at the end of time. For these two reasons, Advent is a period of devout and expectant delight” (Universal Norms on the Liturgical Year and the General Roman Calendar, 39).
Liturgists should always begin their preparations for Advent and a new liturgical year by reading the season’s Scriptures in the Lectionary and its prayers in the Roman Missal. Like Lent, Advent is a season of preparation, but the focus is not primarily on penance as it is in Lent. Instead, we are invited into a “period of devout and expectant delight” when we are called to be watchful and alert, when the prophet Isaiah offers words of comfort and glad tidings for the poor, and when a young Mary models discipleship in saying “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
To aid in your preparations for the season, we are sharing these liturgical directives and suggestions to consider during Advent.
Liturgical Texts:
- Consider using the third form of the Penitential Act, along with sample invocations I in Appendix VI of the Roman Missal, or see the invocations for the Advent Sundays in Prayer of the Faithful.
- The Gloria is omitted in Advent.
- A different Gospel acclamation and a seasonal response to the Prayer of the Faithful, such as “Come quickly, O God of glory” or “God of peace, hear our prayer,” could mark the change from Ordinary Time.
- Preface I of Advent is used from the beginning of Advent through December 16 and Preface II of Advent is used December 17–24.
- Consider one of the Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation during Advent.
- Either of the first two forms of the Mystery of Faith (Memorial Acclamation) is a good choice for the season.
- The Advent Solemn Blessing (#1) may be used on each of the four Sundays.
- The Book of Blessings has an “Order for the Blessing of an Advent Wreath” that may be used at Mass on the First Sunday of Advent.
Other Liturgical Celebrations in Advent:
- The prayers for the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe are in the Proper of Saints section of the Roman Missal at December 8 and December 12 respectively.
- Because the Immaculate Conception is a solemnity, the Gloria is sung or said even though it falls in Advent, and the Profession of Faith is recited.
- The Lectionary offers several options for the readings for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, so make sure the priest, deacon, and lector know which readings will be used.
- On the Third Sunday of Advent, some version of the word “rejoice” appears in the entrance antiphon, Collect, first reading, responsorial psalm, and second reading. All of these reflect this Sunday’s designation as “Gaudete Sunday” (Gaudete is Latin for rejoice). To highlight this spirit of joy, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal permits the use of rose vestments today as an option to Advent’s customary violet or purple vestments. The third candle on the Advent wreath is often rose colored for the same reason.
Environment and Art:
- The US bishops’ guidelines Built of Living Stones provides important principles for seasonal decorations (122–129), including advice that an Advent wreath should be “proportioned to the size of the space.”
- The Book of Blessings provides an “Order for the Blessing of an Advent Wreath.” The introduction notes that an Advent wreath in a church “should be of sufficient size to be visible to the congregation” and that its location should not “obscure the altar, lectern, or chair” (1512).
- Additionally, the Book of Blessings notes that, following the First Sunday of Advent, the candles of the Advent wreath “are lighted either before Mass begins or immediately before the opening prayer [Collect]; no additional rites or prayers are used” (1513).
Suggestions for the season:
- Evening prayer, which may be led by a priest, deacon, or lay minister, could accentuate the Sundays of Advent. Most missals and hymnals include an outline of evening prayer.
- A service of carols, psalms, and readings for the season is available in The Advent of Our God by James Hansen.
- Learn about the history of Lessons & Carols and get practical advice for planning here.
- Many Hispanic communities observe the Advent novena, Las Posadas, on the evenings of December 16–24. These dramatically enacted and sung devotions represent the difficulties that Mary and Joseph encountered when trying to find lodging (posada) when traveling to Bethlehem. Find a helpful resource supporting this important devotion here.
Find more resources for Advent and Christmas here.
Originally developed for the Liturgy Forecast. Copyright © 2023 OCP.