As churches around the world lit the first candle of Advent November 30, Sacred Heart Greenwich joined the tradition rooted in Christian history. Communities around the world celebrate Advent, a period of spiritual readiness and reflection before Christmas, by engaging in Scripture readings, candle lightings, and daily practices that emphasize preparation for Christmas, according to thegospelcoalition.com.
The exact origins of Advent are unclear. Unlike other liturgical holidays with clearly defined beginnings, Advent gradually developed in the early centuries of the Church. After the Church established Christmas on December 25, the weeks leading up to that day gained greater significance. By the fourth century, communities in Spain and Gaul recognized Advent as a distinct period of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth, according to thegospelcoalition.com.
As Christianity expanded, communities gave Advent more formal structure. Today, practices differ by region. However, Advent continues to focus on waiting, reflection, and spiritual readiness for the coming of Jesus, according to thegospelcoalition.com.
This Advent season, Sacred Heart reflects on the mission of the Church’s preparatory period and the ways students approach this time of anticipation, hope, and renewal. Sacred Heart lives out the Advent mission through prayer, impactful community traditions, and personal practices that encourage reflection. Junior Claire McMonagle participates in these traditions through her parish and daily spiritual practices to prepare for Christmas and the year ahead.
“During the Advent season, my family and I go to church each Sunday to watch the candle lighting,” Claire said. “In addition to Sunday church, I read a chapter of the Gospel of Luke each day. By December 25, I will have completed the entire Book of Luke. Advent is a special time because it is not only a time of preparation for Jesus, but it is also a time of preparation for the new year ahead.”
Dr. Hope Hirshorn, Upper School Theology Teacher, incorporates meaningful practices to her busy schedule during Advent, creating time for God and the birth of the Christ Child. Dr. Hirshorn explained some of the ways she and her family prepare for Christmas.
“My family and I look for additional opportunities, beyond weekly mass attendance, to more fully prepare our hearts to receive Jesus in a special way at Christmas,” Dr. Hirshsorn said. “For me, this entails attending two special events for women, one is called Advent By Candlelight and the second is a Morning of Reflection, like a ‘mini-retreat.’ Advent by Candlelight recognized the need to set aside an evening to help women step away from the never-ending lists and chores that precede Christmas and to focus on preparing our hearts for the real meaning of Christmas. I am also reading a book on silence, entitled The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise, by Robert Cardinal Sarah. This book is perfect for Advent, because it is helping me become more aware of how much noise there is to contend with everyday— and the importance of carving out some quiet time to pray and be with the Lord. With all the sounds around us, it is hard to hear God’s still small voice, but I know God wants to speak with us and inspire us, so my family and I are trying to make more room for Him to do that.”
Although its origins trace back to the early Church, Advent continues to hold importance in communities today. For instance, the Advent season occurs in a busy time of year for students and faculty. Still, Advent offers hope in uncertain moments and fosters unity throughout the Sacred Heart community. Whether students experience Advent through reflection, prayer, or togetherness, the mission of the season continues to guide the school as Advent candles illuminate the darkest days of the year. Dr. Hirshorn shared advice on how to make space for God in this busy season and prepare for Christmas.
“My recommendation would be to commit to spending seven minutes a day in silence,” Dr. Hirshorn said. “There are a number of documented spiritual and emotional benefits to this practice. The spiritual benefits are that it deepens our awareness of God’s presence and strengthens our interior freedom, because by stepping away from noise, we train ourselves not to be ruled by constant stimulation. It also fosters receptivity to the Holy Spirit, to be able to ‘hear’ the quiet inspirations and promptings. Emotionally, silence calms our nervous system, sharpens our focus and clarity, strengthens patience and resilience, and opens space for creativity. Imagine a month where we spend seven minutes a day of silence and how much more ready we will be to receive the Christ child into our hearts this Christmas.”
Featured Image by Emma Mathews ’27
