Pastoral Handout for the Advent Season

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A reminder as we enter the holy season of preparation and expectation

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we enter into the sacred season of Advent, the Church calls us to watchfulness, repentance, fasting, and joyful expectation. Advent is not merely a countdown to December celebrations — it is a spiritual preparation for the coming of the King, both in His Incarnation and in His return in glory.

📜 A Joyful Note About This Season
In our Celtic tradition we rejoice in this blessed season as the celebration of the Incarnation — the moment when Christ first entered the world through the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. We mark this mystery in late December, nine months before His Nativity at the Feast of Tabernacles, giving thanks that “by Him all things consist.” — Colossians 1:17 (KJV)

In the ancient Celtic, Gallican, Mozarabic, and Eastern Christian traditions, Advent has always been centered on something deeper than outward festivity:

Advent is the Feast of the Incarnation — the moment the eternal Son of God took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

“Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to Thy word.” (Luke 1:38)

This miracle is commemorated in our Celtic tradition on December 18, the Feast of the Annunciation, marking the moment when God entered the world invisibly, nine months before His visible birth at the Feast of Tabernacles.

Advent invites us to imitate Mary — quietness, humility, obedience, and readiness for the Word to dwell richly in us.

What Advent Calls Us to Practice

1. A Season of Watchful Prayer

Christ Himself commanded:

“Watch therefore, for you know not the hour.” (Matthew 24:42)

Let us set aside time daily for prayer, Scripture, and reflection.

2. A Season of Fasting and Discipline

Our Lord taught: “Then shall they fast.” (Matt. 9:15)
While the world indulges before the feast, the Church keeps a fast of preparation, historically similar to a “winter Lent.”

  • Traditionally, the fast begins November 15 through December 24

  • Fast especially Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

  • Avoid strict fasting on Saturdays and Sundays, which are always mini-feasts of the Resurrection

3. A Season of Charity and Almsgiving

“Do not neglect to do good and to share.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Let us seek to give, not to consume — remembering the poor, the lonely, the widowed, and the sick.

4. A Season of Quietness

Advent is not loud.
It is a hidden season, like Christ hidden in Mary’s womb.

Let us reduce unnecessary noise, distraction, and worldly anxiety.

How to Observe Advent in Your Home

  • Light a candle daily or weekly as a sign of expectation

  • Read the Psalms and Prophets (Isaiah and Luke 1 especially)

  • Make space for silence and reflection

  • Choose one act of charity as a family or individual

  • Attend the services of the Church faithfully

Advent transforms us when we choose stillness over frenzy.

The Spiritual Meaning of This Season

Advent is not simply remembering something long ago — it is preparing for what is now at hand.

Christ is coming — not only in history, but into our hearts, our homes, and our lives.

The world prepares for celebration of things that pass away.
The Church prepares for the coming of the Uncreated Light.

The commercial world celebrates a birthday.
The Church celebrates God-made-man, and His coming Kingdom.

A Final Exhortation

Let us not be like those who slept and missed the Bridegroom, but like the wise virgins who kept oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:1–13).
Let us prepare our hearts like Mary, saying together:

“Be it unto me according to Thy word.”

May this holy season renew us in humility, holiness, and joyful expectation of Christ our King.

Have a blessed Advent.
Christ is Coming — Glory to His Name.

For Further Study

Read the accompanying article:
“Advent in the Historic Church: The Incarnation, the Celtic Tradition, and the Continuity of Sacred Time”
(on CelticOrthodoxy.com / Institute of Theology: https://celticorthodoxy.com/2025/11/advent-in-the-historic-church-the-incarnation-the-celtic-tradition-and-the-continuity-of-sacred-time/)

For those more interested in the calendar aspects: “Many Hails on Many Days Celebrating Christ’s Birth”. https://celticorthodoxy.com/2017/12/tabernacles-rather-than-december-25th-was-kept-by-the-majority-main-stream-in-asia-minor-for-400-years/