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What Is Advent? A Time of Active Waiting and Hope | Insights from Fr. Vito Marziliano
Nov
Advent is a season of reflection, anticipation, and hope — but it’s also a season of movement.
In this special feature, we’re honored to share a video of the late Fr. Vito Marziliano,
a close friend of ours. His insights remind us that Advent isn’t passive; it’s a time of active waiting:
moving toward Christ, seeking His light, and preparing room for Him in our daily lives.
🎥 Watch: Fr. Vito Marziliano Explains Advent
In this touching reflection, Fr. Vito shares how Advent is not just waiting — it’s active movement toward Christ.
What Is Advent?
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” Traditionally,
Christians mark the four Sundays before Christmas as a sacred time to prepare for the birth of Jesus and to renew
our longing for His presence in our lives today. Fr. Vito reminds us that this is not merely a countdown to a calendar
date, but a spiritual posture: we watch, we pray, and we move toward the light of Christ.
Advent invites us to ask: Where is Christ in my life right now? How is He calling me to grow, to reconcile,
to serve, and to hope? These questions keep our hearts awake. They turn waiting into witness.
Active Waiting: Being on the Move
In the Nativity story, no one is standing still. Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem; shepherds hurry from the fields;
Magi cross deserts; and a star leads the way. Fr. Vito teaches that if we are going to welcome Christ,
it means being on the move — allowing God’s light to guide our steps. Advent becomes active when we make
concrete choices: to forgive, to serve, to pray, to give, and to seek Christ in the people around us.
Flight to Egypt Statue (Marble Dust)
A striking reminder that the Holy Family was always on the move, trusting God’s guidance even in hardship.
Polyresin Nativity Set (11-Piece)
Bring Bethlehem home. Each figure tells the story of hearts moving toward Jesus — shepherds, Magi, and the Holy Family.
Shooting Star Hanging Plaque Ornament
Like the star that guided the Magi, let this sign point your family toward Christ throughout the season.
The Nativity: The Ox and the Donkey
Fr. Vito reflects on two humble figures at the manger: the ox and the donkey.
In Christian tradition, the ox often symbolizes the people of Israel — those who carried the promises and prophecies
pointing to the Messiah. The donkey, a bearer of burdens, can signify the nations who did not yet know Christ and
carried the weight of searching and not finding. Together, they represent all humanity gathered at the
Nativity. In other words: Christ is for everyone.
This image challenges us during Advent: who are we overlooking at the manger? How can we make room in our hearts and
homes for those who carry heavy loads — spiritual, emotional, or material — so that all may draw near to Jesus?
How to Live Advent Day by Day
- Follow the Star: Choose one simple practice (daily Scripture, quiet prayer, or an act of mercy) and do it faithfully.
- Move Toward Others: Reach out to someone in need — a call, a meal, a visit, a donation.
- Prepare a Place: Create a prayer corner or set up your Nativity scene early as a sign of your hope.
- Carry Lightly: Let go of a resentment or habit that weighs you down. Make space for joy.
- Welcome Christ Today: Don’t wait for a date on the calendar. Ask, “Where is Christ inviting me right now?”
Looking for more ways to pray the season? Explore Advent resources from the wider Church, such as the
USCCB Advent guide.
Advent — Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Advent?
Advent spans the four Sundays before Christmas. The exact number of days varies each year, but the heart of the season
is consistent: watchfulness, hope, and loving preparation for Christ.
Is Advent only about December 25?
No. As Fr. Vito emphasizes, Advent isn’t just waiting for a calendar date. It’s about where Christ is in our lives
and how we actively move toward Him each day.
How can I “be on the move” spiritually?
Make a small, daily decision that points you toward Jesus: a prayer at dawn, a kind word, an act of generosity, or time with Scripture.
Let the star of God’s love guide real steps.
Why are the ox and donkey at the manger?
They symbolize that all humanity is present at Christ’s birth — both those who knew the promises of God and those still
seeking Him. Christ comes for everyone.
A Final Word
Advent is a journey, and journeys require motion. As Fr. Vito Marziliano so beautifully teaches, we are called to
wait actively — to seek Christ’s light, to move toward one another, and to make space for the Savior who comes
for all. May this season lead us, like the Magi, to rejoice exceedingly with great joy.
If you’re preparing your home for the season, we invite you to explore our curated pieces inspired by the Nativity story:
the Flight to Egypt Statue,
our 11-Piece Nativity Set,
and the Shooting Star Ornament.
May they help your family stay “on the move” toward Christ this Advent.