As Christmas nears, Advent season begins on the fourth Sunday before the holiday. Advent is a time of penitence and somber reflection of how our lives would be so very different if Christ had not come to Earth to atone for our sins. Each of us must take time for inner reflection as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Father Hathaway to hear his personal reflection on Advent. Due to Father Hathaway being a somewhat newly ordained priest, it is very interesting to hear the thoughts of someone closer to our student body in age. Father Hathaway has shared with us that he felt his “calling” shortly after his high school graduation.
Father Keith Hathaway, often referred to as Father Keith by his students, had many thoughts of the Advent season. His favorite part is the symbolic reference of good versus evil through metaphoric references of darkness of sin to light of Christ. Father Keith explained Advent in his own words as a “liturgical season where we pray to get ready for both the arrival of Christ and also for His second coming.” During Advent, beginning on December 2nd this year, both music and décor around the altar are much more toned down than during the rest of the year. The color of the cloth for this season is violet, the color of royalty. How fitting as we are getting ready for the King of Kings’ arrival.
The last question that I asked him was, “What is your favorite prayer or hymnal?” He replied, “thats a hard one” but finally came to a conclusion of ‘Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel’.” Many Catholics enjoy the rejoicing and celebration of Christ in these lyrics. Having spoken to Father Hathaway has given me a stronger foundation of my faith as I look forward to the beginning of the Christmas season.
Advent Reflections
With Fr. Keith Hathaway and Devyn Quintero