Advent wreath with four glowing candles in a Catholic church, text overlay "Advent in the Catholic Church" in gold on deep purple background
Hi! Great question 😊. St. Alphonsus Liguori and other Saints sometimes describe the devil “rejoicing” in souls as a way to warn and awaken us to the reality of temptation, not because he has real authority over anyone. The Church teaches that souls freely choose to reject God, and Satan can only tempt—they cannot force a soul. Hell is ultimately the absence of God, not Satan’s kingdom. As Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us, every knee will bow to Christ, including the devil, so his apparent gloating is temporary and symbolic. Saints use vivid language to help us take temptation seriously and turn to God’s grace.If you want a deeper explanation of this, I actually wrote a blog post exploring how the Church understands Satan, temptation, and free will—it might answer a lot of your questions.

Advent is a sacred season in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, marking the beginning of the Church year. Derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” Advent is a time of spiritual preparation and anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Unlike the festive celebrations that dominate the holiday season, Advent calls for reflection, prayer, and hope, reminding the faithful of the eternal promise of salvation.

Historical Roots of Advent

The origins of Advent can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity. By the 4th and 5th centuries, various regions had begun observing a period of preparation for the feast of the Nativity. Initially, Advent was a time of fasting and penance, similar in spirit to Lent, meant to ready the hearts of believers for the coming of Christ.

By the 6th century, the Church in Rome formally recognized Advent as a liturgical season, emphasizing both the anticipation of Christ’s birth and His eventual second coming (Parousia). Over time, the focus evolved to include joyful preparation alongside reflective penance, balancing both expectation and celebration.

Hi! Great question 😊. St. Alphonsus Liguori and other Saints sometimes describe the devil “rejoicing” in souls as a way to warn and awaken us to the reality of temptation, not because he has real authority over anyone. The Church teaches that souls freely choose to reject God, and Satan can only tempt—they cannot force a soul. Hell is ultimately the absence of God, not Satan’s kingdom. As Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us, every knee will bow to Christ, including the devil, so his apparent gloating is temporary and symbolic. Saints use vivid language to help us take temptation seriously and turn to God’s grace.If you want a deeper explanation of this, I actually wrote a blog post exploring how the Church understands Satan, temptation, and free will—it might answer a lot of your questions.

Duration and Liturgical Significance

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until December 24. Its length varies slightly each year, depending on the date of Christmas. The season is structured around four Sundays, each with its own theme:

  1. First Sunday of Advent – Hope: The faithful reflect on God’s promises and the anticipation of Christ’s coming.
  2. Second Sunday of Advent – Preparation: Focused on repentance and spiritual renewal, echoing John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way of the Lord.
  3. Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) – Joy: A moment of rejoicing in the nearness of Christ’s arrival. The priest may wear rose-colored vestments this day to signify joy.
  4. Fourth Sunday of Advent – Love and Peace: The faithful meditate on the imminent birth of the Savior and the gift of God’s love.
Hi! Great question 😊. St. Alphonsus Liguori and other Saints sometimes describe the devil “rejoicing” in souls as a way to warn and awaken us to the reality of temptation, not because he has real authority over anyone. The Church teaches that souls freely choose to reject God, and Satan can only tempt—they cannot force a soul. Hell is ultimately the absence of God, not Satan’s kingdom. As Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us, every knee will bow to Christ, including the devil, so his apparent gloating is temporary and symbolic. Saints use vivid language to help us take temptation seriously and turn to God’s grace.If you want a deeper explanation of this, I actually wrote a blog post exploring how the Church understands Satan, temptation, and free will—it might answer a lot of your questions.

Traditions and Symbols

Advent is rich in symbolism, which helps the faithful engage more deeply with the season:

  • Advent Wreath: A circular wreath with four candles, often three purple and one rose, symbolizes the four weeks of Advent. Each candle is lit successively, representing hope, peace, joy, and love. Some wreaths include a fifth white candle, the Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to signify the arrival of Christ.
  • Advent Calendar: Traditionally, this calendar helps families count down the days to Christmas, fostering anticipation and reflection.
  • Liturgical Colors: Purple or violet is the primary color of Advent, representing penance and preparation, while rose on the third Sunday symbolizes joy.
  • Scriptural Readings: The readings during Advent focus on prophecy, the coming of the Messiah, and John the Baptist’s preparation of the way. Key passages include Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6, and Luke 3:1-6.

Spiritual Reflection

Advent invites Catholics to a dual awareness: the remembrance of Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and the hopeful anticipation of His second coming at the end of time. It is a season of conversion, prayer, and acts of charity, encouraging believers to purify their hearts and align their lives with God’s will.

The rhythm of Advent—hope, preparation, joy, and love—mirrors the spiritual journey of the faithful. It reminds us that Christ’s presence is not only a historical event but also a living reality in our daily lives. Through reflection, prayer, and anticipation, Advent becomes a sacred opportunity to encounter God anew, deepening faith and drawing closer to the divine mystery.

Hi! Great question 😊. St. Alphonsus Liguori and other Saints sometimes describe the devil “rejoicing” in souls as a way to warn and awaken us to the reality of temptation, not because he has real authority over anyone. The Church teaches that souls freely choose to reject God, and Satan can only tempt—they cannot force a soul. Hell is ultimately the absence of God, not Satan’s kingdom. As Philippians 2:9-11 reminds us, every knee will bow to Christ, including the devil, so his apparent gloating is temporary and symbolic. Saints use vivid language to help us take temptation seriously and turn to God’s grace.If you want a deeper explanation of this, I actually wrote a blog post exploring how the Church understands Satan, temptation, and free will—it might answer a lot of your questions.

Conclusion

Advent is more than a prelude to Christmas; it is a profound invitation to embrace hope, prepare our hearts, and rejoice in the love of God. By engaging with its history, traditions, and symbols, Catholics are called to live in attentive anticipation of Christ’s coming—both in the manger and in the fulfillment of His promises at the end of time.