7 Things You Probably Don't Know About the Advent Season

Do you know the true meaning of Advent? It’s more than just a countdown to Christmas!

Recently on "The Catholic Talk Show," Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse, and Fr. Rich Pagano share seven things about the season of Advent you probably don’t know.

Although Advent is traditionally thought of as a time of preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth, Scheel thinks “it's misunderstood and maybe misutilized within the Church too” because “what Advent is really about is preparing for the Second Coming of Christ.”

Instead, Father Rich says we should be “living Advent urgently now and always” to contemplate Christ’s return.

The guys say that fasting, prayer, and detachment from worldly distractions is an often overlooked part of the personal journey of faith during Advent.

"When you detach yourself from the things that distract you and fill them with God during this very special time, the Liturgy drives you to that point of prayer and receiving Christ into your heart,” Dellacrosse says.

If you want to “shift your whole practice” of Advent as Father Pagano did, he says learning "that Advent used to be a time of penance and sacrifice, associated with Christ coming back to judge the living and the dead” is a great way to start!

This episode is a great reminder of the beauty of Advent!

Watch below:

7 Things You Didn't Know About Advent:

1. "Advent" derives from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival."

2. Advent began as a 40-day period starting on Saint Martin's Day.

3. The liturgical year starts with the season of Advent.

4. Advent readings focus on spiritual alertness and preparation.

5. The Saint Andrew's Novena is a special Advent practice.

6. The "O Antiphons" sung during Advent dates back to the 8th century.

7. The color of Advent vestments, such as purple and rose, holds significant symbolism.