Advent is the first season in the Liturgical Year. Each liturgical year uses a different set of lectionary readings from Sacred Scripture. We now start using Year C on Sundays and Year II on weekdays. By using the three years (ABC) on Sundays and two years (I & II) on weekdays, the Catholic Church celebrates and presents a huge amount of the Bible to Christians for reflection and worship.

We don’t pick just our favorite readings for Catholic Mass. Instead, we use a logical and extensive plan for understanding the revelation of God through readings from the Old Testament and New Testament of our Bible. We see the Old through the New and through the eyes of Christian faith which has been lived and practiced throughout the past 2,000+ years. The name of the season refers to the coming of the Lord and the four Sundays of Advent help us reflect upon the joy of receiving Christ into our lives. Each Sunday liturgy focuses on the joy of Christian faith through the eyes of key persons who prepared the way for the birth of the Savior in the world and the spread of his salvation.

NOV 28 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - violet - Jer 33:14-16/1 Thes 3:12—4:2/Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

The Prophet Jeremiah says fulfillment of God’s promise is near. The Lord will bring security and justice. Then Jesus tells us of the coming of signs and wonders and tells his followers to be vigilant at all times and pray for strength to be ready to stand before God.

DEC 5 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - violet - Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6

The Prophet Baruch says the time of mourning and misery is ending and God will lead his people in joy with his mercy and justice. John the Baptist came proclaiming baptism and forgiveness of sins and said the Lord is coming. He cries out,, Prepare the way of the Lord.” “All flesh will see the salvation of God.”

DEC 12 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - violet or rose - Zep 3:14-18a/Phil 4:4-7/Lk 3:10-18

The Prophet Zephaniah says, “Sing joyfully.” “The Lord is in your midst, a mighty savior…” John the Baptist preaches “good news to the people.”

DEC 19 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - violet - Mi 5:1-4a/Heb 10:5-10/Lk 1:39-45

A new ruler is coming who will shepherd his flock and his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace. Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth whose infant leaps for joy in the presence of Mary who carries Jesus in her womb.

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