RE4 3rd quarter reviewer

Understanding Advent
The Liturgical Calendar and Advent
 Definition and Origin of Advent
 The Liturgical Calendar
o Advent is a season in the Christian liturgical
calendar that marks the anticipation of the o The liturgical calendar is a system used by many
coming of Christ.
Christian churches to organize the year
o The term 'Advent' comes from the Latin word
around the life of Christ and the events of the
'adventus', meaning 'coming' or 'arrival'. Christian faith.
o It is observed in many Christian denominations, o It was reformed during the Second Vatican Council
including Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant (Vatican II) in 1969 to better reflect the seasons of
traditions. the Church.
o The season typically begins on the fourth Sunday o The calendar includes various seasons such as
before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and
o Advent emphasizes preparation, reflection, Ordinary Time, each with its own significance
and hope in the coming of Jesus Christ. and themes.

 Importance of Advent  Advent Sundays and Themes

o Advent serves as a time for Christians to prepare o Advent consists of four Sundays, each with its
spiritually for the celebration of Christmas. own theme:
o It encourages believers to reflect on their faith and
the significance of Christ's birth.
 Hope: The first Sunday focuses on the hope of
o The season is marked by various traditions,
Christ's coming.
including the Advent wreath and calendars,
 Peace: The second Sunday emphasizes peace
which help in counting down the days to
and preparation.
Christmas.
o Advent is also a time for community and family  Joy: The third Sunday, known as Gaudete
gatherings, fostering a sense of togetherness Sunday, celebrates joy in anticipation of
and shared faith. Christ's birth.
o The themes of hope, peace, joy, and love are often  Love: The fourth Sunday reflects on love and
highlighted during this season. the imminent arrival of Jesus.
 o Each Sunday is often marked by the lighting of a  Key Bible Passages
candle on the Advent wreath, symbolizing the
themes of the season. o Isaiah 9:6: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is
given..." - This passage foretells the coming of the
Messiah.
o Luke 1:26-38: The Annunciation, where the angel
 Liturgical Colors of Advent Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive
Jesus.
o The primary liturgical color for Advent is purple, o Matthew 1:18-25: The birth of Jesus and the
symbolizing penance and preparation. fulfillment of the prophecy regarding the Messiah.
o On the third Sunday of Advent, the color o Mark 1:1-3: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus
shifts to pink (or rose), representing joy and Christ, emphasizing the preparation for His
the nearing celebration of Christmas. coming.
o The use of these colors helps to visually convey
 The Spirit of Advent
the themes of the season during worship
services.
o The spirit of Advent is one of anticipation, hope,
 Symbols of Advent and preparation for the coming of Christ.
o It encourages believers to engage in prayer,
o The Advent wreath is a significant symbol, reflection, and acts of kindness during the season.
consisting of a circular garland of evergreen o Advent is a reminder of the importance of spiritual
branches with four candles. readiness and the joy of the Christmas season.
o Each candle represents one of the four o Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the
Sundays of Advent, and the wreath itself birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December
symbolizes eternal life. 25.
o Other symbols include the nativity scene, which o The term 'Christmas' derives from 'Christ's Mass',
reminds believers of the birth of Jesus, and the use indicating a religious service held in honor of
of Scripture passages that relate to the themes of Christ's birth.
Advent. o It symbolizes hope, joy, and the promise of
salvation in Christian theology.
Biblical References and Passages Related to
Advent  Historical Context of Christmas
 o The song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'
o The origins of Christmas date back to the 4th reflects the gifts given on each day,
century when it was established as a symbolizing the joy of the season.
Christian feast day.
o December 25 was chosen to coincide with Symbols and Traditions of Christmas
pagan festivals celebrating the winter
solstice, making it easier to convert pagans to  Christmas Tree and Decorations
Christianity. o The Christmas tree symbolizes eternal life and
o The celebration of Christmas has evolved over the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
centuries, incorporating various cultural traditions. o Ornaments on the tree often have specific
meanings, representing various aspects of the
Christian faith.
o Common decorations include stars
(representing the Star of Bethlehem),
candles (symbolizing Christ as the light of
the world), and wreaths (symbolizing
 The Christmas Season
eternity).
o The Christmas season begins on December 25
and lasts until January 12, culminating in the
 Other Christmas Symbols
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
o The Octave of Christmas includes significant feast
o The Belen (Nativity scene) depicts the birth of
days: St. Stephen (Dec 26), St. John the Evangelist
Jesus and is a central decoration in many homes.
(Dec 27), and the Holy Innocents (Dec 28).
o Santa Claus, derived from St. Nicholas,
o The Christmas season is marked by the recitation
represents generosity and the spirit of giving
of the Gloria during Mass.
during the holiday season.
o The use of candles during Christmas symbolizes
 The Twelve Days of Christmas
hope and the light of Christ entering the world.
o The Twelve Days of Christmas refer to the period
 Definition and Importance of Family
from December 25 to January 5, leading up to
Epiphany.
o Each day has its own significance and is often
celebrated with various traditions and customs.
 o A family is defined as a man and a woman o The duties of parents include creating a nurturing
united in marriage, along with their children, environment characterized by love, respect, and
forming a fundamental social unit. service (CCC 2223).
o The family is seen as the original cell of social life,
where love and the gift of life are shared between The Family's Role in Society
husband and wife.
o According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church  Family as the Foundation of Society
(CCC 2202-2203), God instituted the human
family, highlighting its divine origin and purpose. o The family is recognized as the foundational unit
of society, essential for social stability and well-
 The Christian Family as a Domestic Church being (CCC 2207).
o Families are encouraged to care for vulnerable
o The Christian family is described as a domestic members of society, including the young, elderly,
church, a place where faith is nurtured and and poor (CCC 2207).
lived out (CCC 2204). o The political community has a duty to support
o It serves as a communion of persons, reflecting families through policies that protect marriage and
the relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit family life (CCC 2211).
(CCC 2205).
o The family is tasked with the procreation and  Modern Threats to Family Life
education of children, mirroring God's creative
work. o Families today face various threats, including
violence, division, and societal pressures that
challenge traditional values.
o The importance of addressing these threats is
 Roles and Responsibilities within the Family emphasized to ensure the family remains a place
of love and support.
o Each family member has specific roles, with o Examples of modern threats include economic
parents responsible for the moral and spiritual instability, substance abuse, and the impact of
education of their children (CCC 2221). technology on family dynamics.
o Children are called to respect and obey their
parents, fostering harmony and support within the The Role of Society in Supporting Families
family (CCC 2216-2219). o Society has a responsibility to honor and assist
families, ensuring their rights to raise children
 according to their moral and religious beliefs (CCC The Role of Parents in Family Life
2211).
o Parents are tasked with the moral and spiritual
o Support systems should include access to
education of their children, creating a home filled
healthcare, education, and community resources
with love and respect (CCC 2221).
that strengthen family bonds.
o The family should be a place where children learn
o The need for protective measures against societal
about faith and values through the example set by
dangers such as drugs and pornography is
their parents (CCC 2226).
highlighted (CCC 2211).
o Parents are encouraged to support their children's
The Spiritual Dimension of Family Life choices in life while maintaining open
communication and guidance (CCC 2230).
 Family as a Place of Faith Formation

o Families are called to be places of prayer and

communion, fostering a spiritual environment for
children (CCC 2204).
o The sacrament of Marriage provides parents with
the grace to evangelize their children and instill
faith from an early age (CCC 2225).
o The importance of living a Christian life as a family
is emphasized, as it serves as a witness to the
Gospel.

 The Role of Children in Family Life

o Children are encouraged to respect and obey their
parents, which is foundational for a harmonious
family life (CCC 2216).
o As children grow, they should continue to seek
their parents' advice and support, maintaining a
trusting relationship (CCC 2230).
o The fourth Commandment reminds adult children
of their responsibilities to care for their parents in
their old age (CCC 2218).