The Season of Advent: What Differences Might We Notice in Church
When the season of Advent arrives, there are some changes that people often notice in Church. Probably the most obvious of these is that the color of the vestments changes to violet. On the Third Sunday of Advent, which is also called Gaudete Sunday, as the Advent season is already half over, the joy of the Nativity begins to break in and on that day rose colored vestments may be used.
Also, the hymn Glory to God in the highest is omitted at Mass, and one will find that there is a certain moderation in the decoration of the altar. While flowers may still be used, the decoration of the altar should not express the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. The same can be said of the use of the organ and other musical instruments. They are used with a certain moderation that does not anticipate the great celebration of Christmas.
In churches where the daily homily is not already an established practice, a homily is strongly recommended on the weekdays of Advent for the sake of the faithful who regularly take part in the celebration of Mass.
Biblical figures who are especially prominent during the Advent season are the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Prophet Isaiah, and St. John the Baptist. The season of Advent cannot be understood without taking into account their role in the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ for our salvation.
Source: Rev. Kurt Belsole, OSB, Saint Vincent Archabbey, Latrobe, PA
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