GOD CHOSE JOSHUA

GOD APPOINTED JUDGES

GOD APPOINTED DAVID
GOD BLESSED SOLOMON
 ADVENT AS A SEASON OF PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS
Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus” which means “coming”

Two comings of Jesus:

1. First coming - the birth of Jesus which we usually celebrate on Christmas day
2. Second coming - also known as the “Parousia” which we are looking forward to

Advent Season
 is a four-week preparation before the season of Christmas.
 it’s a time of longing, waiting, hoping and preparing for the coming of the Messiah, our Savior
 it is symbolized by an Advent Wreath

Some celebrations within Advent Season

1. December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Principal patroness of the Philippines
(St. Anne conceived Mary without sin.)
2. December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Philippines
3. Simbang Gabi is one of the most popular Filipino traditions during the season of Advent which was
introduced as early as the Spanish era.
The Simbang Gabi is a form of solemn votive Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary held at dawn
for nine consecutive days before Christmas for the preservation of the nation in faith.
Gloria is sung, white vestments are used, the church and sanctuary are festively decorated and
approved musical instruments are played.
The Simbang Gabi Masses, therefore, have all the elements of a Christmas Mass, only that it is
celebrated during Advent.

Advent Popular Customs and Traditions

1. Advent Wreath. It is a custom which originated and is rather widespread in Europe but found its
way also to other continents.

Circular shape - symbolizes God’s unending love for us.

Evergreen leaves - symbolize our life and hope with God
Four candles - symbolize our four-week preparations (internal and external) before Christmas
Three violet candles - symbolize prayer, sacrifice and a spirit of repentance
Pink candle - symbolizes our joyful expectation of the Lord’s coming

 it is lighted on the third Sunday of advent which is also known as Gaudete Sunday

Lighted candle – symbolizes Christ as the light of the world.

2. Panunuluyan. It is a kind of an Advent play of German origin which became popular also in many other
countries as far as the Philippines. It is a dramatization of Luke 2:1-7 how Joseph and Mary are trying to
find a shelter in Bethlehem, knocking at door after door, but only to be turned away.

3. Preparing the Manger. This custom originated in France. It consists of preparing a soft bedding in the
manger by putting much hay or straw in it.
4. Santa Claus. He is one of the most popular saints in the West despite his being a bishop in the East.
Every year on his feast day on December 6 in many places all kinds of traditional
celebrations are going on in his honor which prove how appreciated this saint is. Based
on the legends, the popular traditions present him as the bringer of gifts to children, poor,
and lonely people.

How do we prepare ourselves before the eve of December 24?

1. Pray and read the Bible.
2. Forgive and ask for forgiveness.
3. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation
4. Practice charity by sharing our blessings especially to those who are in need.
* Internal Preparations (like changing our bad attitude to good, sharing our blessings, forgiving and
loving others) are the most important preparations. Christmas decorations (like stars, Christmas tree,
Christmas lights) are secondary preparations that add meaning to the celebration of Christmas.

Christmas Season - is the season when we celebrate the first coming of the Lord Jesus. He is the
Son of God who became one with us except sin through incarnation.

Jesus became human like us

except sin
 it is the day of the Savior’s birth that means “Christ-with-us”. This was the first Christmas where
in, Christ brings us light for we have been in the darkness of sin.

 He came to be our light

 He brings joy because He is the gift of the Father to us.
 He came to save us because He loves us unconditionally.
 He came to be our hope because He will bring us back to the Father when He comes again.
 He came and showed us the true meaning of simplicity and humility.
This is shown in the Manger scene where He
was born.
What do we do during Christmas Season?

 We welcome Jesus in our hearts.

 We celebrate Masses and receive Jesus in the Eucharist especially:

1. Christmas Day (Dec. 25) - Solemnity of the birth of Jesus

2. Sunday after Christmas Day – Feast of the Holy Family
3. December 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents
4. January 1 - Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
5. First Sunday of January- Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord.
6. Followed by The Baptism of Jesus that marks the end of Christmas season

 We sing Christmas songs that motivate us to accept others with love and joy.
 We become light to our neighbors by letting them feel the goodness and kindness of Jesus.
 We give gifts as a sign of love and sharing to one another.
 We make everyone feel happy especially the poor people. We remember them most because
Jesus loves them most. Whatever we do to them, we do it for Jesus.
 The Precepts of the Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed
here for historic educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting.(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Precepts of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed
here for historic educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting. .(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Precepts of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed
here for historic educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting. .(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Precepts of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed
here for historic educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting. .(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)

The Precepts of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed
here for historic educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting.(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The Ten Commandments

1. I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The Two Greatest Commandments

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

The Precepts of the Church

The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists 5 precepts. The last two are included elsewhere in the
catechism but
are not listed as precepts. And they are equally important. The original seven are listed here for historic
educational value.

1. To attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from servile works.
2. To observe the days of abstinence and fasting.(Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays of Lent)
3. To confess our sins to a priest, at least once a year.
4. To receive Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist at least once during Easter Season.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
* To obey the laws of the Church concerning Matrimony.
*To participate in the Church's mission of Evangelization of Souls. (Missionary Spirit of the Church)