As the first chill of winter sets in and the days grow shorter, many of us begin to look forward to the warmth and joy that the Advent season brings. But before we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, a question lingers: What comes before Advent? This often-overlooked period is rich in significance and offers a unique opportunity to prepare our hearts for the coming season. It is a time for reflection, anticipation, and spiritual readiness, setting the stage for the journey toward Christmas.
In this article, we will delve into the period leading up to Advent, exploring its historical and spiritual importance. We will discuss how this time can be used to deepen our faith, renew our spirits, and prepare ourselves for the profound mystery of the Incarnation. Whether you are new to this concept or seeking to enrich your spiritual practices, this exploration will offer fresh insights and practical ways to make the most of this sacred time.
Understanding the Liturgical Calendar
The Rhythm of the Church Year
To fully appreciate what comes before Advent, it’s essential to understand the rhythm of the liturgical calendar. The liturgical year is a cycle of seasons and celebrations that guide the worship and spiritual life of the Church. This calendar is designed to help believers relive the story of salvation throughout the year, with each season offering unique opportunities for reflection, worship, and growth.
The End of Ordinary Time
Before Advent begins, the Church concludes a season known as Ordinary Time. This period, which follows the long stretch after Pentecost, focuses on the day-to-day aspects of living out the Christian faith. It is a time for growth in discipleship, reflection on Christ’s teachings, and applying those teachings in our daily lives. Ordinary Time encourages believers to cultivate virtues, deepen their prayer life, and engage in acts of service.
As Ordinary Time draws to a close, the Church begins to shift its focus toward the coming of Christ—not only His birth but also His second coming at the end of time. This transition from Ordinary Time to Advent is marked by a period of preparation and anticipation.
The Feast of Christ the King
A Celebration of Christ’s Sovereignty
One of the most significant events before Advent is the Feast of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of Ordinary Time. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, this feast was established to remind Christians of Christ’s sovereign rule over all creation, especially in a world increasingly marked by secularism and the decline of Christian values.
The Significance of the Feast
The Feast of Christ the King serves as a powerful reminder that, despite the challenges and trials of this world, Jesus Christ reigns supreme. It calls believers to reaffirm their allegiance to Christ and to recognize His authority in every aspect of their lives. This feast also serves as a transition point, turning our attention from the present reign of Christ to the anticipation of His return—a theme that carries into the Advent season.
Reflecting on Christ’s Kingship
During the week leading up to Advent, reflecting on the kingship of Christ can be a spiritually enriching practice. Consider meditating on Scriptures that speak of Christ’s authority and power, such as Colossians 1:15-20 or Revelation 19:11-16. Reflect on how Christ’s reign is evident in your life and how you can more fully submit to His lordship.
The Time of Preparation: Embracing the “Little Lent”
A Season of Anticipation and Repentance
The period before Advent is sometimes referred to as a “Little Lent.” Just as Lent is a time of penance and preparation for Easter, this pre-Advent period can be used to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. It is a time to examine our hearts, repent of our sins, and renew our commitment to following Christ.
Fasting and Prayer
One of the most traditional practices during this time is fasting and increased prayer. Fasting helps to detach us from the distractions and excesses of the world, allowing us to focus more fully on spiritual matters. Consider setting aside specific days for fasting or simplifying your meals as a way to prepare your heart for Advent.
Prayer during this time can take many forms—silent meditation, reciting the Rosary, or praying the Liturgy of the Hours. The key is to use this time to draw closer to God, seeking His guidance and strength as you prepare for the coming season.
Acts of Charity
Another important aspect of this pre-Advent time is engaging in acts of charity. Consider how you can serve others during this period, whether through volunteering, donating to those in need, or simply reaching out to someone who may be lonely or struggling. These acts of love and kindness not only prepare your heart for Advent but also reflect the love of Christ to the world.
The Liturgical Observances: Special Days Before Advent
Saints and Celebrations
Before Advent begins, the Church observes several important feast days that can enrich your spiritual preparation. These days offer opportunities to reflect on the lives of the saints, deepen your understanding of the faith, and draw closer to God.
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
All Saints’ Day (November 1st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd) are two significant observances that occur before Advent. All Saints’ Day celebrates the lives of all the saints—those known and unknown—who have attained heaven. It is a day to honor their example and seek their intercession.
All Souls’ Day, on the other hand, is a day to pray for the souls of the faithful departed who are still undergoing purification in Purgatory. These observances remind us of the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life, themes that resonate deeply as we prepare for Advent.
The Feast of Saint Andrew
The Feast of Saint Andrew (November 30th) is another important day before Advent. Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. His feast day is often associated with the beginning of the Advent season because it typically falls near the First Sunday of Advent.
Reflecting on the life of Saint Andrew, who responded immediately to Jesus’ call, can inspire us to be more responsive to God’s call in our own lives. His example encourages us to enter Advent with a heart open to God’s will and ready to follow wherever He leads.
Personal Reflection: Preparing the Heart
Cultivating a Spirit of Readiness
Before Advent begins, it’s essential to take time for personal reflection and spiritual inventory. This period is an opportunity to assess where you are in your spiritual journey and identify areas that need growth or healing.
Spiritual Inventory
Consider asking yourself the following questions:
- How have I grown in my faith over the past year?
- What areas of my life need repentance or change?
- How can I deepen my relationship with God in the coming season?
- Are there any relationships that need healing or reconciliation?
Taking time to honestly reflect on these questions can help you enter Advent with a clear sense of purpose and a heart ready to receive the grace of the season.
Setting Spiritual Goals
As you prepare for Advent, consider setting specific spiritual goals. These goals might include daily prayer, Scripture reading, or attending Mass more frequently. Setting goals helps to create a sense of intentionality and direction as you move into Advent.
The Importance of Silence and Stillness
Finding Peace Before the Busyness
In the weeks leading up to Advent, life can become increasingly busy with holiday preparations, social events, and the demands of everyday life. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and distracted, losing sight of the spiritual significance of the season.
Embracing Silence
One of the most powerful ways to prepare for Advent is to embrace silence and stillness. Carve out time each day to step away from the noise and busyness, and simply be in the presence of God. Whether through silent prayer, meditation, or a quiet walk in nature, these moments of stillness allow you to reconnect with God and center your heart on what truly matters.
Unplugging
Consider taking a break from technology or social media during this time. Unplugging from the digital world can create space for reflection, prayer, and meaningful conversations with loved ones. It’s a way to declutter your mind and spirit, making room for God’s voice to be heard more clearly.
see also: What Does Advent Calendar Mean?
Conclusion: Entering Advent with a Prepared Heart
The Journey Begins with Preparation
As we prepare to enter the season of Advent, it’s essential to recognize that the journey begins long before the first candle is lit. The time before Advent is not merely a prelude but a vital period of spiritual preparation that sets the tone for the entire season. By engaging in reflection, prayer, acts of charity, and embracing silence, we open our hearts to the grace and transformation that Advent offers.
This year, don’t let the time before Advent pass by unnoticed. Use it as an opportunity to deepen your faith, renew your spirit, and prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. As you journey through this sacred time, may you experience the peace, hope, and joy that come from drawing closer to God.
May your Advent season be filled with the light of Christ, and may the preparations you make now bear fruit in your spiritual life throughout the year.