What's Unique About Mass During Advent

Advent is the Church's season of preparation for Christmas, spanning the four Sundays before December 25. The liturgy during this time reflects themes of anticipation, watchfulness, and spiritual preparation for both Christ's birth and His Second Coming.

Liturgical Colors

The primary color for Advent is purple (violet), symbolizing preparation and penance. On the Third Sunday of Advent(Gaudete Sunday, meaning "Rejoice"), priests may wear rose-colored vestments to mark a shift toward joy as Christmas approaches.

The Gloria Is Omitted

One of the most distinctive features of Advent Masses is that the Gloria is not sung or recited on Sundays throughout the season. This creates a more subdued, reflective atmosphere. The Gloria returns triumphantly at the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. (Exception: The Gloria is still used on solemnities and feast days during Advent, such as the Immaculate Conception on December 8.)

The Advent Wreath

Many churches display an Advent wreath with four candles—three purple and one rose (for Gaudete Sunday). Each Sunday, an additional candle is lit, visibly marking the progression toward Christmas and the growing anticipation of Christ's arrival.

Scripture Readings

The Gospel readings emphasize:

  • Prophecies of the Messiah from the Old Testament, especially Isaiah

  • John the Baptist's call to repentance and preparation

  • The Annunciation and Mary's role in salvation history

  • Christ's Second Coming and the call to watchfulness

The readings balance joyful anticipation with sober preparation for Christ's return.

The O Antiphons (December 17-23)

From December 17-23, the Church prays the ancient O Antiphons at Evening Prayer and often at Mass. These seven prayers address Christ with messianic titles:

  • O Wisdom

  • O Adonai (Lord)

  • O Root of Jesse

  • O Key of David

  • O Dawn

  • O King of the Nations

  • O Emmanuel

Each antiphon is a cry for Christ's coming, building intensity in the final days before Christmas.

Rorate Caeli Masses

In some parishes, special early morning Masses called Rorate Caeli ("Drop down dew from above") are celebrated before dawn, often by candlelight. These traditional Masses feature Gregorian chant and create a contemplative atmosphere of waiting for the Light of the World.

Penitential but Not Like Lent

While Advent has a penitential character, it's less austere than Lent. The Church encourages prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as ways to prepare spiritually for Christ's coming—not as severe penance, but as joyful preparation to receive Him more fully.

The Alleluia Remains

Unlike Lent, the Alleluia is still sung before the Gospel during Advent. This maintains a note of subdued joy even in the season's reflective tone.

In essence: Advent transforms the Mass into a time of watchful waiting, where the liturgy invites us to prepare our hearts for Christ—both as the infant in the manger and as the King who will come again in glory.