“Advent is a continuous call to hope: it reminds us that God is present in history to lead it to its ultimate goal, to lead it to its fullness, which is the Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Pope Francis reminds us.
As the Vatican prepares to celebrate the birth of Christ by setting up the Christmas tree and installing the nativity scene, the Eternal City comes alive with unique traditions that hold special significance this year.
With last-minute preparations underway for the Holy Year—the Jubilee of Hope—these customs not only mark the close of the liturgical year and the beginning of a new one but also deepen the sense of anticipation and reflection among the faithful.
Fr. Alessandro Toccanelli, a liturgical theologian, helps us to begin well the Season of Advent, explaining, “This year's theme of hope is perfectly linked to the liturgical time of Advent because, in Advent, as we have mentioned, we await the second coming of Jesus. We await Him as Savior. And Saint Paul says, 'All creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth,' and we too are waiting to embrace this hope. I believe that the Holy Father's choice to focus on this theme is more necessary than ever."
Advent, Latin for "coming," marks the start of the Church's liturgical year and spans the four Sundays and weekdays before Christmas. Derived from "ad-venire" ("to come toward") and "adventus" ("arrival"), Advent is the season of Christ's arrival—in our hearts, the world, and God's plan for our salvation.
Advent also marks the start of the new liturgical year.
“Advent during this period is particularly important because it closes the liturgical year and thus a new liturgical year begins. And every time we go to celebrate the Eucharist, we realize that the Gospels are almost overlapping. The last weeks of Ordinary Time almost coincide with the first weeks of Advent. Precisely because, in a pedagogical and spiritual logic, the liturgical year—which is the celebration of Christ and the mysteries of Christ throughout the year—develops, and we continually return to these mysteries,” Fr. Alessandro notes.
From the early Church, believers have been captivated by Jesus’ promise to return. Like Lent, Advent uses violet as its liturgical color to signify preparation for major feasts. During Advent Masses, priests wear violet vestments, except on Gaudete Sunday (the Third Sunday of Advent), when rose is permitted signifying that Christmas, the arrival of Christ, is near.
“Then, progressively, in Rome,” Fr. Alessandro explains, “this penitential character and great fasting gradually softened and decreased. Instead, especially here in Rome, it gave way to a great surge of hope, expectation, and joy. In other words, combining the two realities of Christ's comings: the first coming in the flesh that we contemplate at Christmas, which we must prepare for, but also another coming that we, as the faithful—and indeed all of history and humanity—are moving toward, which is the final coming of the Lord.”
This year the Christmas period in Rome is even more special due to the start of the Jubilee of Hope, that the Pope will celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Square instead of St. Peter’s Basilica. Also, the Advent retreat will be led by Father Roberto Pasolini, the new Preacher of the Papal Household who succeeded the 90-year-old Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa serving for 44 years.
As we prepare for Christmas and the Holy Year with activities like decorating trees, putting out nativity scenes, and exchanging gifts, these actions hold a deeper spiritual meaning.
“Certainly, a particular tradition that is renewed every year is the famous and characteristic Nativity scene in [St. Peter’s] Square, displayed from December 8 throughout the Christmas period,” Fr. Alessandro highlights. “This is eagerly awaited by all the faithful who wish to discover its characteristics and style. But beyond curiosity, I believe it is an excellent tool because, very often, behind a Nativity scene in the Vatican, there is much reflection. Various people are invited to participate, and thus each Nativity scene tells the story of Christ but also the story of those who built it—the story of God and the story of humanity together.”
This year’s Nativity Scene will come from Grado, a historic lagoon town rich in traditions, located in the province of Gorizia. A majestic 29-meter-tall red fir tree from Ledro, in the province of Trento, will stand beside the Nativity display.
“I believe this is also a way to answer the previous question: Where do we find our hope? We see it there, in the Nativity;” Fr. Alessandro reminds us, “we see it small, seemingly fragile but certain—it has happened, it exists, and we remember it.”
Another cherished tradition is the Blessing of the Bambinelli, which began in Rome. Each year, on Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent, the Holy Father invites children to bring the Baby Jesus (Bambinelli) from their family Nativity scenes to Mass for a special blessing.
Looking forward to the Jubilee Year, Fr. Alessandro notes, “Another tradition that we will have from Advent and throughout the rest of the year is passing through the Holy Door, which is a typical characteristic of St. Peter's Basilica here in Rome. This act of crossing the door is a symbolic gesture in which we enter truly into the temple of God but also into the Father's house. With confidence and the utmost certainty that His mercy, [especially] this year, can cover our sins and give us salvation and hope.”
As Advent culminates in the joyful celebration of Christmas, we are reminded of its profound purpose: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, both in His birth and His eventual return. On Christmas Day, the opening of the Holy Door will usher in the Jubilee of Hope—the Holy Year—a time of grace, renewal, and reflection.
Adapted by Jacob Stein
