Advent candles. / Credit: Romolo Tavini/Shutterstock
CNA Staff, Nov 30, 2025 / 04:00 am (CNA).
AdventbeginsthisyearonSunday,Nov.30.MostCatholics—eventhosewhodon’toftengotoMass—knowthatAdventinvolvesawreathwithcandles,possiblya“calendar”ofhiddenchocolates,anduntanglingstringsofChristmaslights.ButAdventismuchmorethanthat.Here’sanexplainerofwhatAdventisreallyabout.
WhatisAdvent?
ThepeopleofIsraelwaitedforgenerationsforthepromisedMessiahtoarrive.Theirpoetry,theirsongsandstories,andtheirreligiousworshipfocusedonanawaitedsaviorwhowouldcometothemtosetthemfreefromcaptivityandtoleadthemtothefulfillmentofallthatGodhadpromised.
IsraellongedforaMessiah,andJohntheBaptist,whocamebeforeJesus,promisedthattheMessiahwascomingandcouldbefoundinJesusChrist,God’sSon,the“LambofGodwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld.”
AdventisaseasonintheChurch’slifeintendedtorenewtheexperienceofwaitingandlongingfortheMessiah.ThoughChristhasalreadycomeintotheworld,theChurchinvitesustorenewourdesirefortheLordmoredeeplyinourlive
