1. Advent and Christmas

2. Liturgical Year The church’s calendar year is called the Liturgical Year The church’s calendar year is called the Liturgical Year The Liturgical Year begins on the first Sunday in Advent The Liturgical Year begins on the first Sunday in Advent The first 2 seasons of the Liturgical Year are Advent and Christmas The first 2 seasons of the Liturgical Year are Advent and Christmas

3. Advent Advent lasts about 4 weeks Advent lasts about 4 weeks It is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ It is a time of preparation for the birth of Christ It is a time for us to do good deeds It is a time for us to do good deeds

4. Advent Symbols There are 5 Symbols of Advent: There are 5 Symbols of Advent: The Advent Wreath The Advent Wreath Advent Calendar Advent Calendar The Jesse Tree The Jesse Tree Purple Vestments Purple Vestments Candles Candles

5. Holy Days December 8 th – Immaculate Conception December 8 th – Immaculate Conception This is the only Holy Day of Obligation during the Advent Season This is the only Holy Day of Obligation during the Advent Season

6. 3 Comings of Jesus Advent is a time the Church uses to help us prepare to meet Jesus in 3 ways Advent is a time the Church uses to help us prepare to meet Jesus in 3 ways Coming in History – When we remember Jesus’ coming in Bethlehem Coming in History – When we remember Jesus’ coming in Bethlehem Mystery – Jesus coming into our lives each day Mystery – Jesus coming into our lives each day Majesty - The coming of Jesus at the end of time, when he returns as our King Majesty - The coming of Jesus at the end of time, when he returns as our King

7. Christmas Christmas is often known as the Feast of the Incarnation Christmas is often known as the Feast of the Incarnation This is when God became a human being like us This is when God became a human being like us Nativity is another name for Christmas Nativity is another name for Christmas

8. Christmas Christmas is the 2 nd season of the Liturgical Year Christmas is the 2 nd season of the Liturgical Year It is also a season of joy, because Christ the Savior was born It is also a season of joy, because Christ the Savior was born

9. Holy Days There are 2 Holy Days of Obligation during the Christmas season: There are 2 Holy Days of Obligation during the Christmas season: Christmas Day – December 25 Christmas Day – December 25 The Solemnity of Mary – January 1 The Solemnity of Mary – January 1

10. Christmas Symbols The Symbols of Christmas are: The Symbols of Christmas are: Christmas Tree Christmas Tree Nativity Scene Nativity Scene Candles Candles White Vestments White Vestments Poinsettias Poinsettias Special Hymns Special Hymns