Advent always begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th, the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle. St. Andrew was the very first disciple called by Our Lord—Andrew is the one who convinced his brother, Simon, to become Jesus' disciple. "We have found the Messiah!" Andrew said to him. Now we know Simon as Peter, the first pope. In keeping with his role as "the first-called," the feast of St. Andrew is placed at the beginning of the new liturgical year. 

There are many popular traditions associated with St. Andrew's feast day, especially in those countries that have him as their patron saint: Scotland and Russia. But the most popular St. Andrew's feast day tradition is universal. This tradition is a Christmas novena that begins on St. Andrew's feast day. It's called the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, or more simply, The Christmas Novena. I have discovered that it is a wonderful way to enter into the Advent season which is marked by a time of anticipation, penance, and prayer. While the origins of this prayer are unknown, it is over 100 years old (at least) and may have come from Ireland.

If the St. Andrew novena was prayed as a regular nine-day novena, it would end on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. However, this novena prayer is actually prayed much longer than nine days—it is prayed throughout all four weeks of Advent.  It is  piously believed that whoever recites the St. Andrew Christmas Novena Prayer FIFTEEN times each day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas Eve will obtain the favor requested.

Prayer is an essential part of Advent. Reciting this special novena prayer each day is a simple yet beautiful way to celebrate the spiritual significance of the Advent season and to experience a deeper conversion to the heart of Jesus.   And since Andrew helped his brother find the Messiah, and he can do the same for us as our spiritual brother. He can lead us, in spirit, to the Christmas crib, saying, "Here is the Messiah."

Here is the beautiful prayer:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the Son of God was born

of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,

O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires

through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,

and of His blessed Mother.

Amen.

It might not be easy to pray this novena fifteen times a day for twenty-five days, but if you are able to, it will undoubtedly leave your heart well-prepared to welcome the coming of Christ. The beauty and sweetness of this prayer will unfold for you through its daily recitation, allowing you to meditate more fully on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. It's actually not very hard to memorize. In the meantime, you can copy it, save it to your phone or computer, print it out, or tape it to your car dashboard. Whatever you need to do to help you remember to pray it each day until Christmas Eve.

On each Saturday of Advent at 6:30AM, we come together as a Parish Family to celebrate the unique European tradition of the Rorate Mass. Our Cathedral will be illuminated with only candlelight as we celebrate Mass and anticipate the beauty of another dawn. Below you will find information about the Rorate Mass and its rich meaning and symbolism. I hope that you and your family can participate in this spiritual tradition which is another opportunity for us to grow this Advent Season as we await the birth of Our Savior on Christmas day!

What is a Rorate Mass and why is it celebrated with white vestments and by candlelight?

The Rorate Mass got its proper name from the first word of the Introit (Entrance Antiphon): “Rorate caéli desuper et nubs pluant justum.” “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness.” We know Gaudete and Laetare Sunday which also got their names from the Introit. Before the liturgical changes after Vatican II this Mass was celebrated very early in the morning on all Saturdays. In some areas it was celebrated on several or even all weekdays during Advent.

Origins: The Rorate Mass has a long tradition in the Church, especially in German-speaking countries. It is a Votive Mass in honor of the blessed Mother for the season of Advent. Our lady shows herself in a special way as our leader through Advent to Christmas. The celebration by candlelight had originally a more practical reason. According to the Missal of 1570 no Mass could be said after 12:00 Noon. On the other hand, people had to go to work in the morning. Also, the Rorate Masses were celebrated in a more solemn form and therefore would last longer. For these reasons the Masses had to begin relatively early in the morning when it was still dark due to wintertime.

Symbolism: There is a beautiful symbolism associated with the Rorate Mass. Through the snow and cold and darkness of early morning the faithful would trudge with lanterns and candles in their hands to the then brightly lit Church (no electric light!) where the Mass was celebrated.

Marian Dimension: In Advent we live spiritually between the Annunciation and the birth of Christ. Mary teaches us the spirit of Advent. During the nine months of pregnancy Mary lived a hidden life, in the spirit of silence and intense intimacy with Christ she carried in her womb. This spirit of intimacy with God the faithful are to cultivate during the Season of Advent more intensely by listening attentively to God’s message and by obedience to His word.

Rorate Mass Today: Today this Mass with candlelight can either be celebrated in the morning or in the evening when it is dark, because there is no restriction any more with regard to the hours Mass can be said. In fact, it is frequently celebrated in German-speaking countries because of its popularity. Popular piety attributed to these masses a special efficacy and they were held in great esteem. People would ask these Masses to be said for their intentions far in advance.

Use of Candles: What we see so often in Church history: certain things have been done first for practical reasons, but then in the course of time there was also attributed a spiritual meaning. And the use of candles during Advent belongs into this category. The symbolism of the candle matches very well with the spirit of Advent. Advent is dawn. It is still not the bright light of Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation for something exceedingly joyful that will be going to happen. The Church and the soul are still struggling through the darkness toward the Light. There is a longing and expectancy of Advent. The light of our candles is a symbol for our longing for the coming of our Savior whose light is already dawning. 

For many Christians, Advent wreaths are a favorite way to celebrate the month of December leading up to Christmas Day. Although Advent Wreaths are very popular, many are not aware of the rich meaning and symbolism embedded in this tradition. If we learn this meaning, we can appreciate it all the more! 

DARKNESS AND LIGHT

Advent candles readily demonstrate the strong contrast between darkness and light, which is an important biblical image. Jesus referred to himself as the "Light of the World" that dispels the darkness of sin: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Human history spanned long ages shrouded in the darkness of sin before our prophesied Savior would finally make his appearance to free us from its dominion. As the Messiah's "Advent" (or "coming") draws nearer another candle is lit, with each candle dispelling the darkness a little more. Thus, the Advent wreath helps us to spiritually contemplate the great drama of salvation history that surrounds the birth of God Incarnate, who comes to redeem the human race and make all things new (Rev. 21:5).

It also reminds us that, as Christians, we're meant to shine the light of Christ in this world. As Jesus tells us;  "You are the light of the world ... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. "(Matthew 5:14-16)

SHAPE, NUMBER, AND COLOR

SHAPE: The circular shape of the wreath, without beginning or end, symbolizes God's complete and unending love for us—a love that sent his Son into the world to redeem us from the curse of sin.  It also represents eternal life which becomes ours through faith in Jesus Christ.

NUMBER: The Advent Wreath traditionally holds four candles which are lit, one at a time, on each of the four Sundays of the Advent season. Each candle represents 1,000 years.  Added together, the four candles symbolize the 4,000 years that humanity waited for the world's Savior—from Adam and Eve to Jesus, whose birth was foretold in the Old Testament.

Some Advent wreath traditions also include a fifth white "Christ" candle, symbolizing purity, that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day.  Many circular wreaths can incorporate a white candle by adding a pillar candle to the wreath center.

COLOR: Violet is a liturgical color that is used to signify a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice and is used during Advent and Lent.  Advent, also called "little Lent," is the season where we spiritually wait in our "darkness" with hopeful expectation for our promised redemption, just as the whole world did before Christ's birth, and just as the whole world does now as we eagerly await his promised return.

THE FOUR WEEKS OF ADVENT

During the first two weeks of Advent we light the first two purple candles. The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the single pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent.

Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait expectantly for the soon-coming birth of the King of Kings.

Traditionally, each of the four Advent candles have a deeper meaning which is depicted in the lovely Four Weeks of Advent Pewter Wreath:

The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the "Prophet’s Candle" reminding us that Jesus is coming.

The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the "Bethlehem Candle" reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the "Shepherd’s Candle" reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.

The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the "Angel’s Candle" reminding us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

ENHANCE YOUR WREATH WITH MORE SYMBOLISM

You can festively decorate your Advent Wreath with other natural materials that traditionally carry their own Christian symbolism. The use of evergreens reminds us of our eternal life with Christ; pointy holly leaves and berries represents the crown of thorns from the Passion of Jesus and his Precious Blood; and pine cones symbolize Christ’s Resurrection.

The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent.. When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R/. Who made heaven and earth.

Then the Scripture is read:

(Isaiah 9:1-2, 5-6 or Isaiah 63:16-17,19 or Isaiah 64:2-7)

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

R/. Thanks be to God.

With hands joined, the leader says:

Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples, he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.

Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath. May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation. May he come quickly and not delay. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:

O come, desire of nations, bind

in one the hearts of humankind;

bid ev’ry sad division cease

and be thyself our Prince of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

The Roman Church has been singing the "O" Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative "Come!" embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah.

December 17

O Wisdom of our God Most High,

guiding creation with power and love:

come to teach us the path of knowledge!

December 18

O Leader of the House of Israel,

giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:

come to rescue us with your mighty power!

December 19

O Root of Jesse’s stem,

sign of God’s love for all his people:

come to save us without delay!

December 20

O Key of David,

opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:

come and free the prisoners of darkness!

December 21

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

December 22

O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:

come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!

December 23

O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:

come to save us, Lord our God!

Jesse Trees are a very old tradition that first started in medieval times.  The tradition is rooted in Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of David, Israel’s greatest king. And Jesus is descended from the line of David. He is the branch God promised would grow from Jesse’s family tree. Each symbol represents a story from within this family tree and a step toward the birth of Jesus.

Parents can use the Jesse Tree to teach children the story of the Bible from creation to the birth of our Lord. Gather your family together each evening during Advent and read the passage a scripture that goes with each day of the Jesse Tree. The scriptures always start in the Old Testament, traveling through the Bible, always pointing towards the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ!  After the scripture reading, have your children take turns putting the ornament (which is a symbol corresponding to the scripture passage for that day), on the Jesse Tree. End your evening time together singing “Oh Come Oh Come Emmanuel” together. 

Here are some links to learn more about the Jesse Tree and to make your own!

https://illuminatedink.com/products/4/12/623

https://www.myjessetree.com

https://www.catholicicing.com/jesse-tree-readings-ornaments-and-free-printables/

https://simplycatholic.com/the-jesse-tree/

In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223.

The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time.  When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member.

All make the sign of the cross as the leader says:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R/. Who made heaven and earth.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture (for example Luke 2:1-8 or Isaiah 7:10-15).

Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.

R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The leader prays with hands joined:

God of every nation and people,

from the very beginning of creation

you have made manifest your love:

when our need for a Savior was great

you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.

To our lives he brings joy and peace,

justice, mercy, and love.

Lord,

bless all who look upon this manger;

may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus,

and raise our thoughts to him,

who is God-with-us and Savior of all,

and who lives and reigns forever and ever.

R/. Amen.

The use of the Christmas tree is relatively modern. Its origins are found in themedieval mystery plays that depicted the tree of paradise and the Christmas light or candle that symbolized Christ, the Light of the world. According to custom, the Christmas tree is set up just before Christmas and may remain in place until the Solemnity of Epiphany. The lights of the tree are illuminated after the prayer of blessing.

In the home the Christmas tree may be blessed by a parent or another family member, in connection with the evening meal on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time on Christmas Day.

When all have gathered, a suitable song may be sung.

The leader makes the sign of the cross, and all reply “Amen.”

The leader may greet those present in the following words:

Let us glorify Christ our light, who brings salvation and peace into our midst, now and forever.

R/. Amen.

In the following or similar words, the leader prepares those present for the blessing:

My brothers and sisters, amidst signs and wonders Christ Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea: his birth brings joy to our hearts and enlightenment to our minds. With this tree, decorated and adorned, may we welcome Christ among us; may its lights guide us to the perfect light.

One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture (for example, Titus 3:4 -7  or Ezekiel 17:22-24;)

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

R/. Thanks be to God.

The intercessions are then said. The leader says:

Let us ask God to send his blessing upon us and upon this sign of our faith in the Lord.

R/. Lord, give light to our hearts.

That this tree of lights may remind us of the tree of glory on which Christ accomplished our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

That the joy of Christmas may always be in our homes, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

That the peace of Christ may dwell in our hearts and in the world, let us pray to the Lord. R/.

After the intercessions the leader invites all present to say the Lord’s Prayer.

The leader says the prayer with hands joined:

Lord our God,

we praise you for the light of creation:

the sun, the moon, and the stars of the night.

We praise you for the light of Israel:

the Law, the prophets, and the wisdom of the Scriptures.

We praise you for Jesus Christ, your Son:

he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Prince of Peace,

who fills us with the wonder of your love.

Lord God,

let your blessing come upon us

as we illumine this tree.

May the light and cheer it gives

be a sign of the joy that fills our hearts.

May all who delight in this tree

come to the knowledge and joy of salvation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

R/. Amen.

The lights of the tree are then illuminated.

The leader concludes the rite by signing himself or herself with the sign of the cross and saying:

May the God of glory fill our hearts with peace and joy, now and forever.

R/. Amen.

The blessing concludes with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”:

O come, thou dayspring, come and cheer

our spirits by thine advent here;

disperse the gloomy clouds of night

and death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

Advent Calendar

An Advent calendar is a fun way to count down the days until Christmas with your children!  You can either buy a premade one or you can make one as a family.  All you really need is a box with drawers or little containers in it.   Each day a different child can open the box for that day where they will find a Bible verse or helpful quote from a Saint to read to the rest of the family.  This starts December 1st and goes until December 24th.

Journey to Bethlehem

Instead of 'Elf on the Shelf' count down the days of Advent by moving Mary and Joseph around the house  on their 'Journey to Bethlehem' and ending at the stable on Christmas Eve.

The Tradition of the Christkindl 

This is beautiful tradition to start with your families.  It is similar to a “Secret Santa”, but Christkind or Christkindl means “Christ Child” in German and it basically means, “Gift Bearer”.   A fun way to bring this tradition into your home is to put all of your children’s names into a hat, pass the hat around, then have each child pick a name.  Keep it a secret, the child can’t tell anyone except mother or father who will then record who has which name (in case anyone forgets).  Now the fun begins!  The Christkindl is a sort of “Christ Child” or gift bearer to the sibling they picked out of the hat for the whole season of Advent!  They can do small favors for their sibling, make little gifts, buy a treat and leave it on their pillow.  But everything must be done secretly…..the Christkindl is not revealed until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning when it culminates with a Christmas gift.  Children love this tradition and it is a fun way to teach the joy of giving within the family.  

Here is a link with some cute ideas for kids Advent crafts

https://thekennedyadventures.com/catholic-advent-crafts-for-kids/