The word “Advent” means “coming”. During this season we prepare for Christ’s coming in three ways. We celebrate His coming at Bethlehem, we await His coming again at the end of the world, and we thank Him for coming to us through the sacraments. The readings for the first Sunday of Advent urge us to “stay awake” and “be prepared” because we do not know the day or hour the Lord is coming.
I used to always want to know how these traditions came about or got started, but the more I researched, the more different stories I heard. So I guess as with most traditions, they tend to change slightly over time. It is also possible that since each person is different, each person will view the purpose and meaning a little different. So if we have the basic idea of preparation for the coming of the Lord and sincerely pray that he comes into our hearts and change our lives we can make the world a better place.
I have an Advent Wreath Prayer on my Saint Telemachus web site.
For Further spititual reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church 1042-1050
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