The Common Ground of Advent

The liturgical season of Advent, which began Sunday, is observed by many Catholics. The custom is simple yet reassuring. Every night, you light a purple candle in an Advent wreath and say a prayer. Each week of Advent, you add another candle, so by the last week, you light four candles. The fourth week candle is pink and as a child, it was so exciting to see that pink candle finally lighted. Christmas was near!

No matter the political persuasion of individual Catholics, observing the seasons of the church provides common ground. The liturgical season of Advent provides a respite from the commercialism around Chirstmas. It takes the focus off material gifts and helps people ponder spiritual gifts.

I believe that many liberal Catholics remain rooted to the church because of these traditions that began in childhood. Advent is an important one.

I found two good Web sites with Advent prayers and practices. CatholicMom.com is described as "a web site for sharing and learning about parenting and faith issues." It offers prayers for Advent and even blessings for the Christmas tree.

American Catholic.org, home of the online editions of St. Anthony Messenger, Catholic Update, Millennium Monthly, Youth Update, Scripture From Scratch, offers brief and good reflections for each day of Advent.