Advent & The Nativity

Advent is a season with a double focus. We look back to the stable in Bethlehem, but we also look forward to the end of time.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that by celebrating the precursor (John the Baptist) and the birth of Jesus, we unite ourselves to the long desire of the ancient prophets.

We are not just pretending to wait for a baby; we are training our hearts to wait for the King. We are learning patience in a world that wants everything "right now."

"When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming." (CCC 524)

The story of Christmas hinges on a moment of hospitality—or the lack of it.

This verse challenges us in Elmendorf and Saspamco. Are our lives too crowded? Is there "no room" in our schedule for prayer because of shopping and parties? The Nativity invites us to evict the clutter from our hearts to make space for the only Guest who matters.

"She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

1. The Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)

Before we celebrate the birth of the Savior, we celebrate the purity of His Mother. December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation and the Patronal Feast of the United States. Even in the busy-ness of December, make it a priority to attend Mass. It reminds us that before God sent His Son, He prepared a perfect vessel—Mary—to receive Him.

2. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12)

In our community, December 12th is a massive celebration. We honor La Virgen de Guadalupe, who appeared to St. Juan Diego and brought Christ to the Americas. Join us for the Mañanitas or Mass. Her message was one of comfort: "Am I not here, I, who am your Mother?" Let her lead you to the manger.

3. The Nacimiento (Nativity Scene)

Put up your nativity scene early in the month, but leave the manger empty. Wait until Christmas Eve to place the Baby Jesus in the hay. It builds a sense of anticipation for the children (and the adults!). It reminds us that He is the missing piece that makes the family complete.

43. Go to Confession

We wouldn't invite a king into a dirty house. Before Christmas arrives, check the bulletin for our Advent Penance Service times. Make a good Confession. Scrub the soul clean so that when you receive the Eucharist at Christmas Mass, your heart is a shining, warm place for Jesus to rest.

Come, Lord Jesus. The door of my heart is open to You.

O Divine Child of Bethlehem, Come into our home this Christmas. Bless our table, our tree, and our family. Drive away the darkness of sin and worry, and fill us with the light of Your presence.

As we celebrate Your birth with joy, help us to see You in the poor, the lonely, and the stranger. Make our hearts Your manger, where You are always welcome, always loved, and always adored.

Amen.

A prayer of welcome for the Christ Child.

Early Roots:

Around the 4th century, French Christians prepared for Epiphany (Jan 6) with a 40-day fast (St. Martin's Lent), a practice later adapted by Rome to focus on Christ's coming.

Twofold Meaning:

Originally for Christ's second coming (Parousia), the focus shifted to his first coming (Nativity) by the Middle Ages, though both meanings remain in the Church's liturgy.

“Advent“ (4th–6th Century):

From the Latin adventus, meaning "coming". 

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming". Its earliest records date to the 4th century in France and Spain, where it originally served as a 40-day "St. Martin’s Lent" to prepare converts for baptism at Epiphany. It was only later in 6th-century Rome that it shifted toward preparing specifically for Christ's birth.

Liturgical Color:

Purple, symbolizing penance and preparation.

Advent Wreath:

Central to both churches and homes, the wreath features four candles lit on successive Sundays. Four candles (three purple, one rose) lit weekly, representing increasing light and the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

O Antiphons:

(Dec 17-24) The final days focus on powerful Old Testament titles for the Messiah (e.g., O Wisdom, O Emmanuel).

Jesse Tree:

Symbols tracing Jesus' lineage from Jesse, Mary's ancestor.

Focus:

Prayer, Scripture, and self-reflection, renewed desire for Christ's return. 

Christmas Celebrations:

On December, the Nativity is celebrated with special Masses, including the traditionally significant Midnight Mass. The season continues through the Octave of Christmas until the Baptism of the Lord in early January.

The Nativity (4th Century):

While the exact date is unknown, the celebration of Christmas on December 25 was well-established by the 4th century in the West. This date likely countered pagan winter solstice festivals or was calculated as nine months after the Annunciation (March 25).

Crèche- Nativity Scene (1223):

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first live Nativity scene (crèche) in Greccio, Italy, to make the humble birth of Christ more accessible to the faithful. 

Christmas Season:

Begins Christmas Eve (Dec 24) with multiple Masses (Midnight, Dawn, Day) and ends around Epiphany.

Traditions:

Nativity sets (hiding baby Jesus until Christmas), hymns, carols, and feasts. 

Las Posadas (Latin America):

Nine nights of processions re-enacting Mary & Joseph's search for lodging, ending with singing & feasting.

Simbang Gabi (Philippines):

Nine early morning Masses (Dec 16-24) leading to Christmas.