As December starts and Christmas decorations go up, it’s easy to jump straight into the holiday rush. But before Christmas actually arrives, the Church celebrates Advent, a season all about waiting, preparing, and reflecting.

So what exactly is Advent, and why does it matter in our school community?

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” It originated in Spain as a waiting period prior to baptisms performed during Epiphany, January 6. By the time the practice reached the Roman Empire in the 6th century, the word was associated to the four weeks leading up to Christmas.

According to School Chaplain Fr. John Ulrich, “Advent gives us the opportunity to focus our attention on the upcoming feast of Christmas.” It is a period meant to prepare hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, encouraging all to make room for Him in their hearts.

Here at our school, there are plenty of Advent traditions to prepare for Christmas. Among these is the relatively new “Light Up the Night,” an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony complete with carols, hot chocolate, and Santa Claus. The Marist chapel, decorated in purple for the season, also houses a traditional Advent wreath with four candles representing hope, peace, joy, and love.

The Marist priests also offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to the entire school community during Advent, inviting reflection and renewal and allowing everyone to open their hearts in preparation for the birth of Christ.

Fr. Ulrich also emphasized the importance of the two-week school holidays students enjoy every December. “It is not winter break for us; it’s Christmas break,” he said.

Advent reminds us that this season is not only about time off or packed schedules. It is about preparing our hearts for something meaningful.

In a world that pushes constant activity and commercialization, Advent challenges us to slow down and refocus on the true purpose of Christmas.