“If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be the One who made them!” ~ St. Anthony of Padua
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Beginning the Church's liturgical year, Advent is the season leading up to the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and also to the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.
During the subsequent four weeks, Catholics prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we remember with joy all that leads up to Jesus’ first coming in the flesh, culminating in His birth at Bethlehem. God was working out his mysterious plan of salvation from the beginning of time. During Advent, we also look ahead to the end of time when Christ will come again in glory. In a sense, all of life is Advent, since we are all waiting for Christ’s second coming. We know that Christ first came to us as a child. He will come again as our judge and king at the end of time.
Advent devotions remind us of the meaning of the season. Special Advent devotions include the lighting of the Advent wreath; the Advent calendar which helps remind us of the season with daily thoughts and activities; Advent prayers and hymns that prepare us spiritually for the birth of Jesus Christ.
Immaculate Conception - December 8thThis Feast celebrates that Mary, conceived in her mother’s womb, was without the stain of original sin. This was a special grace granted by God. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is also the Savior of His mother. He saved her from sin before she was born, at the moment of her conception. In doing so, He also prepared her womb for His Presence.