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On Advent
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Advent has a twofold character: a time of preparation for the Solemnities of Christmas and a time to look forward to Christ’s second coming at the end of time. It might well be described as a “period of devout and expectant delight.” Liturgically, this is shown in various ways:
- The liturgical color of the vestments is violet. However, the color rose may be used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) the mid-point of the season to signal the joyful expectation of the Lord’s birth at Bethlehem and his second coming.
- The Advent wreath may be placed in the narthex or the sanctuary. Each Sunday the candle of the wreath might be borne in procession behind the cross or just ahead of the Book of the Gospels.
- The use of the organ and other musical instruments and the decorating of the altar with flowers should be done in a moderate manner, that is, without anticipating the full joy of Christmas.
- The same moderation should be employed for weddings during this season.
- A communal celebration of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged.
- Advent ends after mid-afternoon prayer on Christmas Eve.
- The liturgical color of the vestments is violet. However, the color rose may be used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) the mid-point of the season to signal the joyful expectation of the Lord’s birth at Bethlehem and his second coming.