When most people hear “penitential season,” they tend to imagine ashes on foreheads, solemn hymns and the intensity of abstinence and fasting. But when it comes to Advent, a season similarly steeped in the idea of preparation and penance, we tend to have it wrapped in the excitement of Christmas. Unfortunately, Lent’s little cheerful brother doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So, what exactly makes Advent a penitential season? And how can we embrace it in a way that deepens our spiritual life while keeping our spirits lifted?

Advent’s Roots

The word Advent, stemming from the Latin word adventus or “coming,” historically stands as a time to prepare for the arrival of Christ — not just as the sweet infant born in Bethlehem, but also in his eventual triumphant return (Parousia). This dual purpose sets the tone for why Advent is seen as a penitential season, focusing on both reflection and readiness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming” (CCC 524).

This expectant waiting naturally invites penitential practices. While the modern perception of Advent may have softened into a month of Christmas cookies and festive shopping — I love those, too — the Church’s liturgical tradition calls for a more profound, reflective approach. The General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar (GNLYC) emphasizes that Advent is a time of devout and joyful expectation but also underlines its solemn aspect by calling for restraint and preparation (39).

No Purple Without Purpose

One of the most visually striking reminders of Advent’s penitential nature is the color purple (or violet) that adorns the vestments and altar during this time. Purple is traditionally associated with penance, humility and a time of soul-searching. The subtle shift from the green of Ordinary Time to the rich purple of Advent signals that something more reflective and serious is on the horizon — the arrival of God Himself.

Advent’s liturgical color shares this symbolic language with Lent, indicating that both are seasons of preparation. Although Lent sometimes feels like spiritual boot camp, Advent is more like a disciplined yet hopeful walk through the frosty woods, lantern in hand.

Balancing Joy and Reflection

Embracing Advent as a penitential season doesn’t mean trading in your twinkling lights for sackcloth and ashes. The essence lies in striking a balance between anticipation and self-examination. The Church Fathers understood this dynamic well. St. Bernard of Clairvaux eloquently explained that there are three Advents: the one of history (the birth of Christ), the one of mystery (his presence in our lives), and the one of majesty (his second coming). Reflecting on these three dimensions helps maintain a prayerful attitude while sparking joy in our faith.

And let’s not forget Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, marked by rose-colored vestments and the singular command to rejoice. It’s like the Church saying, “We’re halfway there! Now, take a moment to smile before you get back to it.” In fact, the entrance antiphon for this Sunday is taken from Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” This joyful respite underscores that even in a penitential season, joy is central to the Christian experience.

Practical Tips

1. Pray Daily. Start or end each day with an Advent-specific devotional. One traditional favorite option is the set of O Antiphons, which begin Dec. 17 and beautifully tie the prophecies of Christ to the days leading up to Christmas. It’s like opening a daily door on a spiritual Advent calendar, each filled with reverence instead of chocolate (although, feel free to add chocolate).

2. Simplify your Surroundings. Take a tip from monastic traditions and declutter your space. Let the simplicity around you reflect the simplicity in your heart. A clean environment can serve as a tangible reminder to clear out the spiritual cobwebs, too.

3. Fast and Perform Acts of Self-Denial. While fasting isn’t emphasized as heavily during Advent as in Lent, it’s a practice with a deep-rooted tradition in the Church. Try giving up a small comfort—like scrolling through social media late at night or indulging in an extra dessert. The act itself is a nod to making space for what truly matters.

4. Perform Charitable Works. St. John Chrysostom once said, “Do you wish to honor the body of Christ? Do not ignore him when he is naked.” Advent is an opportune time to reach out in service. Donate to a food bank, volunteer, or simply reach out to someone who needs company. These actions transform penitence from an inward task to an outward sign of Christ’s love.

5. Laugh a Little, and Rejoice. Yes, even penance can come with a chuckle. The saints themselves had a sense of humor. Take St. Philip Neri, who was known for saying, “A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.” So, while you’re deep in your Advent prayers, remember that a genuine smile, even at your own shortcomings, can be a prayer, too.

Why Bother With a Penitential Season at All?

In a world that rushes to hang Christmas lights the day after Halloween, pausing for a penitential season might seem outdated. But Advent’s reflective spirit prepares the soul to receive the gift of Christ more deeply. Think of it as spiritual conditioning. Without it, Christmas risks becoming more about the show and less about the soul.

A famous line from St. Augustine’s Confessions rings true here: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Advent is a time to acknowledge that restlessness by engaging in practices that align our hearts with the hope of Christ’s coming. When Christmas morning arrives, we’re not just unwrapping gifts — we’re unwrapping the culmination of weeks of prayer, longing and joy.

This Advent, light your candles, say your prayers, trim your tree, and chuckle when your cat inevitably topples the Nativity set. It’s a season of waiting, yes, but also a time of preparing for the most significant arrival in history — with all the quiet, joy-filled, penitential anticipation that it deserves.