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Origin. The Greek Church, undecided as to the fixing
of the date for the feast of Christmas (December 25
or January 6) at first knew nothing of a time of
preparation for this festival. In the West, towards the
end of the fourth century, we find a liturgical period
designated by the name of Advent. Already, as early
as the year 380, Advent is mentioned in the Council of
Saragossa, and in documents of the fifth century,
both in Gaul and Italy, mention is also made of it.
Characteristics. In the liturgical lessons and for
mulas of primitive times, Advent is represented as a
time of preparation for the coming of the Redeemer.
In these we find briefly stated the Catholic doctrine of
the Incarnation, the Redemption, the Virgin Birth,
the Mission of the Precursor, the last Coming or Judgment.
In Gaul, particularly, Advent seems to have been
regarded as a kind of winter Lent. It began on the
feast of Saint Martin and lasted about forty days, in
cluding six Sundays. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
in each week were fast-days, and abstinence was ob
served every day. Other churches, Milan for instance,
counted but five Sundays in Advent. In others the
number was reduced to four, and from the beginning
of the eighth century the Roman Church adopted this
number.
At the present day the Church, to a certain extent,
regards ; Advent as a time of penance and supplication.
i
f During this time purple vestments are worn, and at
High Mass the deacon and subdeacon wear folded cha
subles. The organ is silent. The Gloria in excelsis
is omitted from the Mass, but the Alleluia is still sung.
In all the prayers we are reminded of the tears and sighs
of the patriarchs and the prophets who were expecting
the coming of the Redeemer ; they are in harmony