Advent marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year. With the birth of Jesus Christ, the beginning of our faith was founded. The Liturgical Year ends with the Solemnity of Christ the King, His reign over the universe. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. BETTY AMUKPO converses with some children on the importance of Advent. Excerpts:
‘Advent brings us the magnifi- cent vision of life’
Advent is derived from the Latin word “adventus which means “coming,” It focuses on the coming of Jesus Christ. Advent gives us a vision of our lives as Christians and shows us the possibilities of life. When Christ left the earth, He did not abandon us; He remains with us in spirit. The season of advent brings us the magnificent vision of life and hope for the future given to us by Christ. Advent is the time for us as Christians to be fully prepared for the second coming of our Lord. How prepared are we? Source: Catholic doors ministry.
• Anita Chima
‘It is also the season of evangelisation’
Advent is very important to us Catholics because it makes us to prepare for the coming of the new born King of mankind (Luke 1:31-33). It is also the season of evangelisation to convert the lost soul for God (Mk 28:19-20). It’s also reminds us of the importance of Christ in our lives, prepare us to celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas and refers to His second coming at a future time. It’s also a time for faith communities and families to remember through prayers, reflections, good music and good deeds to the poor.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘Advent reminds us to put our hope in God’
Advent season reminds us about the importance of Christ in our lives, prepares us to celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas, and refers to His second coming at a future time. Advent reminds us to put our hope in God. Practices associated with advent include; advent calendar, lighting an advent wreath, praying an advent daily devotional, erecting a Christmas tree, lighting a Christingle. Four candles of advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they symbolise hope, peace, joy and love. Bible verse: Isaiah 9:2-6
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘Advent helps us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas’
Advent is important to Catholics because it is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It helps us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, to repent of our sins, and to be ready to receive Christ when He comes. Luke 3:4-6 speaks of the Prophet Isaiah’s declaration of the coming of the Lord and John the Baptist’s call for repentance, which are central themes of Advent.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Advent is our time to become more involved’
In the Catholic Church, the Advent season reminds us about the importance of Christ in our lives, prepares us to celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas, and refers to his second coming at a future time. Advent is our time to become more involved, more caught up in the meaning and the possibilities of life as a Christian community. Thus, we are preparing not only for Christmas but also for Christ’s Second Coming. This means that when he comes again, we will be awake and watchful. He will not find us asleep (Mark 13:33- 37). Advent is four Sundays before Christmas and the liturgical colour of Advent is Purple.
• Patricia Oche
‘It reminds us about the importance of Christ in our lives’
Advent gives us an opportunity to imagine the long-awaited coming of the Messiah Catholics consider these things during the period of Advent. It reminds us about the importance of Christ in our lives, prepares us to celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas, and refers to his second coming at a future time. Advent is a time of peace and hope, thus, in John 14:27, it says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”
• Victoria Okefe
‘Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus’
For Catholics, Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus. It’s a season of hope and renewal, as we look forward to the coming of the Saviour. Advent is a time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to focus on the birth of Jesus rather than the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s a time to draw closer to God and to our faith community, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. For Catholics, Advent is a season of spiritual renewal and growth as we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord. We take this time to remember the true reason for the season and to find peace and joy in the birth of our Saviour. So, Advent is an important season for Catholics, as we reflect, pray, and prepare for the coming of Jesus. Isaiah 7:14. 14, Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘It helps us grow spiritually’
Advent is very important to us Catholics because it helps us grow spiritually, helping us to know the importance of Christ in our lives; it prepares us for Christ’s birth which is known as Christmas. Most importantly, it helps us anticipate and prepare us for the second coming of our Lord “Jesus Christ” Matthew 3:3. A voice of one crying out in the desert, preparing the way for the Lord.
• Nnadikwe Kelechi
‘Advent is the climax of Christmas’
It is very important to Christians, most especially Catholics, because it marks the beginning of God’s reconciliation with man after the fall of Adam. It comes with joy and happiness, that is why Christians, most especially Catholics celebrate advent with joy and happiness. Luke 2:20 states, “the shepherds went back singing praises.” In John 1:4-5 ” the word was the source of life and thus life brought light to mankind…”
• Anyasor Chibuike
