Advent's Penitential Roots: How to Live it a ‘Little Lent'

When we think of Advent, we often picture candles on the wreath, festive hymns, and a countdown to Christmas. But the Church has always understood this season as more than a warm-up to the holidays.

Advent is a time of preparation - not just for Christ’s birth but also for His return. And like Lent, it invites us to slow down, take stock, and turn our hearts toward God.

This is why Advent has long been known as a “Little Lent” - a quieter, shorter season of reflection and penance.

In an age when December feels more like a sprint to the finish line, recovering Advent’s penitential roots can help us rediscover its true meaning.

Advent’s Penitential Roots

Did you know Advent’s penitential traditions date back to the Early Church?

By the sixth century, Catholics in Gaul observed “Saint Martin’s Lent,” a 40-day season of fasting and prayer beginning on November 11, the feast of Saint Martin of Tours.

Though the season has since shortened to the four weeks we know today, its spiritual focus remains: repentance, anticipation, and preparing our hearts to encounter Christ.

This spirit is reflected in Advent’s liturgy.

Violet vestments, the omission of the "Gloria," and the voice of John the Baptist calling us to “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Matt. 3:3) remind us that Advent isn’t merely a prelude to celebration but a call to conversion. Like Lent, it asks us to reflect on the state of our souls and make room for God’s grace.

How Advent Disrupts Us

Advent and Lent are similar in their call to prepare, but Advent’s focus is uniquely twofold: looking back on Christ’s first coming in the manger and forward to His return in glory. This dual focus gives Advent a tension that is both joyful and sobering.

Like the Incarnation, Advent disrupts us, reminding us that the Divine breaks into human history with both mercy and judgment.

The manger may be humble, but it casts a shadow that stretches to the Cross.

In this sense, Christ’s birth is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of a plan that leads to redemption and transformation - if we are willing to respond.

Advent also challenges us to see time differently.

The days of December are not just a countdown to gifts and gatherings; they are sacred days, inviting us to step outside the rush of the world and reflect on eternity. To live Advent well is to recover the sense that these weeks are not about doing more but becoming more - more faithful, more hopeful, and more attuned to God’s presence.

How to Live Advent as a “Little Lent”

Recovering the spirit of Advent doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, meaningful steps are all that is required to prepare your heart for Christ:

Pray Intentionally - Reflect on the daily Mass readings or pray the Rosary. Meditate on the "O" Antiphons in the final days of Advent, letting their rich imagery draw you closer to Christ.
Make a Sacrifice - Small sacrifices like giving up sweets or limiting screen time can help clear space for God and remind us of what truly matters.
Be Generous - Acts of charity, whether donating to a food pantry or reaching out to someone in need, embody Advent’s call to love and prepare us to welcome Christ in others.

Why Advent Matters

Advent, like Lent, reminds us that joy is deepest when rooted in preparation.

By embracing its spirit of prayer, sacrifice, and generosity, we ready ourselves not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth but for His presence in our lives here and now and in the life to come.