As Christmastime rapidly approaches, commercialism and hype often overshadow the season's smaller, but equally traditional, celebrations. A classic example is Advent, the four-week period leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
"It is difficult for students to concentrate on Advent because of the combination of their anticipation of Christmas and their increasingly busy schedules," said the Rev. Michael Fahey, professor of theological studies.
Despite the added workload generated by finals and the shopping, travel and vacation distractions associated with this time of year, the Advent season is too important to be overlooked by students and faculty, Fahey said.
"Advent has been around for many centuries and began in Europe," Fahey said. "It is a time for students and faculty to take a look at their lives and see in what ways they can improve."
Mass is an important part of the season.
"Students can pray a little bit more, try to go to Mass a little more and reflect on their own lives," said Gesu Parish Pastor Peter Etzel. "It's a time of anticipation and preparation, a time of preparing a place in our hearts for the Lord to dwell."
The Advent season serves a dual purpose in the lives of the faithful, Etzel said.
"First, it helps us to prepare for the celebration of Christmas that remembers the birth of Jesus. And second, we are supposed to keep in mind his second coming," he said.
But despite the fact that Advent is a largely religious celebration, its effects are not limited to Christian students only, according to Etzel.
"Non-Christian students can look at the hopes and dreams each of us have for peace, love and harmony," he said.
He pointed to the war in Iraq and inner-city hunger and violence as areas to focus on during the season.
"Students can try to see where in the world we need a savior right now, regardless of your religious beliefs," he said.
A Season of Tradition
Just as Christmas has wrapping presents and hanging lights, the Advent season has developed several unique traditions.
The most noticeable tradition involves the lighting of four Advent candles, one for each week of the season.
"The Advent wreath is a wreath with four candles," said the Rev. John Naus, associate professor of philosophy. "One candle is lit as each Sunday of Advent passes."
According to Naus, as the candles are lit, the eldest member of the family typically reads the Sunday Opening Prayer attributed to that week of the Advent season.
"Sometimes people will also have a special cookie or treat on Dec. 6, the day of the feast of St. Nicholas," he said. "And on Christmas Eve, a manger or crib may be set up at home."
The singing of Advent hymns and Christmas carols are also considered traditional, said Naus.
In the end, the main goal of the Advent season has become an effort to bring the focus back to the religious aspects of the holiday season, Fahey said.
"Advent makes Christmas into more of a religious holiday, instead of a time for gift-giving and overeating," he said.