This coming Sunday is the 1st Sunday of Advent in the new Liturgical Year.  Here at the start of Lectionary Cycle B, this reading from the Gospel according to Mark becomes a signpost to the Advent Season in its use on the first Sunday of Advent, the liturgical season that precedes and prepares for Christmas. It is a season of hope and of longing, of joyful expectation and of peaceful preparation. It is good to remember that Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ, both in his historical incarnation as a baby in Bethlehem and his future return in glory at the end of time. The readings during this season are meant to evoke a sense of longing, repentance, and vigilance – not just for Christmas but also for the destiny of Christian life.

Many Christians may not realize that the readings for the four Sundays of Advent also follow a regular pattern each Sunday has its own special readings and characteristics:

First Sunday of Advent – The readings look forward to the “End Times” and the coming of the “Day of the Lord” or the “Messianic Age”; the Gospel is an excerpt from the Apocalyptic Discourse of Jesus in one of the Synoptic Gospels. The dark tone serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and renewal, calling on believers to examine their lives and turn away from sin in preparation for Christ’s coming. The reflective and penitential aspect of Advent is captured in the readings.

Second Sunday of Advent – The Gospel readings focus on the preaching and ministry of John the Baptist as the precursor or forerunner of Jesus, the one who came to “Prepare the Way of the Lord,” by calling the people to turn back to God. The readings often include passages from the Old Testament, particularly from the book of Isaiah, which contain prophecies about a voice crying out in the wilderness, making the paths straight for the Lord. These prophecies are associated with John the Baptist, and his role as the one who fulfills these prophecies is emphasized. Like Isaiah, John the Baptist’s message was one of repentance and conversion, a fitting Advent theme.

Third Sunday of Advent – The Gospel readings continue to focus on John the Baptist, who talks about the one who is to come after him. The 3rd Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, is more joyful and celebratory compared to the previous weeks of Advent. “Gaudete” means “rejoice” in Latin, and it is a day of joyful anticipation. The readings often emphasize that the time of waiting is nearing its end, and the fulfillment of God’s promises is drawing closer. It is a reminder of the joy that comes with the anticipation of Christ’s arrival. The Gospel reading shifts the focus from a solely penitential and preparatory tone to one of joy and hope. It encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord’s coming and to maintain a sense of hope and expectation.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – The Gospels tell of the events that preceded and prepared for the birth of Jesus, including the dreams of Joseph (Year A), the Annunciation (Year B), and the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Year C). ​​By using different Gospel passages, the lectionary provides a more complete narrative of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the angelic announcements, the experiences of Mary and Joseph, the visitation of the shepherds, and the journey of the Magi, which may not all be found in a single Gospel.  One year focuses on the Annunciation to Mary and highlights the importance of her role in the incarnation, while another reading may emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the fulfillment in Christ.

How long is Advent? Many people think that there are always four weeks of Advent. Well, only in some years does the liturgical Season of Advent last four full weeks. In most years, Advent is a little shorter, depending on which day of the week Christmas/December 25 happens to be that year. The more precise answer to the question is that there are always four Sundays of Advent, but that the Season of Advent can be between three and four weeks long. In 2023, the Season of Advent is as short as it can be: 22 days, starting on Dec 3rd.

Image credit: Christ taking leave of the Apostles, Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1381| Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Siena | Public Domain US