Many families associate Advent with wreaths, candles, and waiting for Christmas morning. But long ago, Advent was not just a countdown — it was a season of repentance, reconciliation, and settling debts with God and neighbor.
Advent: The Church’s “Little Lent”
In the early centuries, Christians observed Advent as a time of fasting, prayer, and penance — just like Lent. Some regions even called it “St. Martin’s Lent,” starting preparations from November 11, leading up to Christmas.
The season was meant to prepare hearts not just for the birth of Christ, but for His coming in glory — a dual anticipation of Incarnation and Final Judgment.
Over time, Advent was shortened to four weeks — but the Church never entirely abandoned the call to conversion and interior renewal. Even today, violet vestments, omission of the Gloria, and more sober liturgies remind us that Advent is about more than holiday cheer.
Why “Paying Debts” and “Making Peace” Matter
The ancient Advent fast ended on Christmas Eve — just before the world celebrated the birth of the Savior. In that pre-Christmas fast, believers were meant to clear their spiritual slate. That meant: confessing sins, reconciling with estranged family or friends, forgiving offenses and seeking forgiveness, and settling debts — literal or moral — with honor.
In a day when life was harder and commitments were serious, Advent was a time to ensure nothing stood between you and a clean soul before the coming King.
Today, many tend to skip over this spiritual housekeeping. But maybe that’s exactly why hearts feel unready when Christmas arrives — because the wreath went up, the tree got trimmed, and the gifts organized — but the soul was never prepared.
A Spiritual Practice for Modern Souls
What if this Advent looked different — not simply busier, but quieter?
What if it became less about decorations and more about reconciliation? Less about presents and more about peace?
That’s where a tool like the Riverstone Bronzite Chaplet of Forgiveness fits perfectly.
This chaplet invites prayer — for reconciliation, for letting go, for surrender. Its easy-to-carry design makes it ideal for daily use: a minute in the car, a moment before bed, a breath between tasks.
Maybe this year, instead of racing toward Christmas, you’ll walk toward it...cleansed, healed, reconciled, and ready to welcome the Infant King with a pure heart. Discover your chaplet at The Catholic Company.
