24 days to go before Christmas and today marks the First Sunday of Advent. In a few days, Christmas carols will play from different places and Christmas decorations will make them even more beautiful. Christmas parties are being prepared for by different schools, companies, and families. Christmas gifts and bonuses are being awaited by a lot of people. All of these are what make people excited when Christmas is near.
But before anything else, are the preparations being done, enough for the true spirit of Christmas to be felt?
Let us first define Advent. Advent came from the word Adventus, a Latin word that translates to “coming”. As we all know, we commemorate Jesus Christ’s birth everytime we celebrate Christmas. Advent consists of 4 weeks with 4 Sundays that intends to prepare for the coming of Christ.
The word “preparation” talks about how people strengthen their soul for the coming of Christ. Penance and prayer are done during this season, as the color Violet, associated with Advent, symbolizes penance. Which means, we must prepare our spiritual being and not just the tangible things we have for Christmas. On the other hand, a pink candle is being lit during Third Sunday of Advent as it symbolizes joy and happiness that will be felt during the coming of Christ.
Again, Advent is regarded as a blissful season and its purpose is to prepare for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. So, aside from the material things that we have for Christmas, let us make sure that we will strengthen our soul as we wait for His arrival.
Always remember that the true spirit of Christmas lies in our hearts. Have a blessed Advent, everyone! (Jazlene Jimenez)
