November 27, 2022 marked the beginning of the Advent season. This special time of year marks the 30 days before Christmas which is one of the reasons why so many Christians and Catholics around the world make a prayer request during this time of year. Advent is a truly special time of year where families begin to come together not only to celebrate the holidays but truly prepare themselves for the changes that are coming up during the Christmas season as well as in the new year.
You will receive photos of your printed prayer request placed on the Stone of Anointing; the place where Jesus’ body was prepared for burial after his crucifixion.
What is the True Meaning of Advent?
When it comes to the true meaning of Advent, it is meant to be a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. There are countless people who make a Catholic prayer request during this period of time with the comfort of knowing that since this is such a special time in the Catholic faith, God will hear their prayers. If you find yourself struggling with finding the true meaning of Advent, here is a prayer that you can pray as part of your process of getting closer to God and Jesus:
Heavenly Father,
I come to you with a prayer that you will open my heart and show me the true meaning of Advent. My undying wish is to become closer to you and grow in the faith that I have. Help me to see you and your will in a new light during this advent season. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
How is Advent Celebrated?
There are several different ways that you can celebrate Advent with your family. Over and above coming together and saying prayers for your family, here are some other ways that you can commemorate this special time of year:
- Set aside time to pray with your family
- Go to or request a holy mass on behalf of yourself or a loved one
- Make time to go to a prayer group so that you can pray and grow in your faith
- Form a prayer chain so that other members of your church or religious community can pray together
How Long is Advent?
Advent lasts four weeks. Throughout these four weeks, a candle is lit to commemorate that week and also provide it with a point of reflection so that we can continue to pray and meditate on the true meaning of Advent as well as the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
Advent Candles Meaning
The main way that a person will mark each week of Advent is by lighting a candle on an advent wreath each week. There are three purple candles and one pink candle. The first candle, which is purple, represents hope. This candle is often called the prophecy candle due to the fact that we are hoping and looking forward to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Prayers for hope can always be said during this week.
The second candle, which is also purple, represents faith. This faith revolves around the fact that we know and believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he will always guide us in the decisions that we need to make in our life. Prayers for faith can help guide your way.
The third candle is pink which is a symbol of joy. Overall, we are joyful that we are coming to the end of the Advent season because it means that we are that much closer to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
The fourth and final candle represents penance. It is our last chance to prepare ourselves in every way possible for the birth of Jesus Christ and be open to his call and message in the upcoming year.