Sunday, Dec. 21, is slated to be the darkest day in 2025 for the Northern Hemisphere. As darkness and brisk temperatures physically overtake daylight hours, we are ushered into the “dark season.”
Meanwhile, Christians from a variety of denominations are turning up the heat and light by physically and spiritually anticipating the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas. For, as described in 2 Corinthians 4:6, Jesus is the light that will shine out of darkness.
Advent, which started Nov. 30 and ends on Christmas Eve, signals a season of preparation, penance and prayer. Despite not being mentioned in the Bible, the four-weeks of Advent are rooted in biblical words of hope. While marketing campaigns promote a “must buy” mentality, Advent promotes intentionally slowing down in anticipation of the greatest gift of all — Jesus Christ.
Advent calendars and Advent wreaths encourage families to lean into the richness of the season. Lighting Advent wreaths are a tradition that encapsulates the burning desire of what Christ’s coming brings to the world.
The wreath’s circular shape signifies the endless love and mercy of God, who is the Alpha and the Omega. The evergreen branches represent the new beginning offered by and through Jesus. The number and color of the candles, in addition to the order in which they are lit, are also significant.
The first two purple candles represent hope and faith. The pink candle, which is the third to be lit, marks the halfway point of Advent and signals joy. The flame of the final purple candle represents peace followed by a white candle, lit on Christmas Eve, signifying the light of Christ.
Each week an additional candle is lit, which coincides with weekly readings and brings more light into the darkness. As described by Pope Benedict XVI, Advent is a powerful liturgical season that encourages the whole church to be “hope for itself and for the whole world.”
As we prepare for Christmas, we are invited to pause and silently reflect on God — a loving God who came down to us so that we may be lifted up. Let us be reassured that the dark season will be overcome by His light.
To help us overcome the darkness, a penance service providing the Sacrament of Reconciliation, instituted by Jesus Christ as written in John 20:22-23 and Matthew 18:18, will be held at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church.
The penance service will be on Friday, Dec. 19, starting at 5 p.m., and the church address is 353 S. Pagosa Blvd.
For more information about the Pagosa Catholic Community, call (970) 731-5744 or visit ihmjp2.org.
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