Przyjdź, Panie, nie zwlekaj. Liturgia i pobożność ludowa Adwentu

Abstract

Christian worship, which materializes in the liturgy and the popular piety throughout the annual distribution of Sundays, holidays, celebrations and the periods of time connected with those holidays, reveals the whole work of Salvation. Even though, Advent precedes the annual birth of the Savior and prepares us for it, it is also time of waiting for the final coming of the Lord. The distinction is clearly visible in the liturgical texts, in the prayers and the Bible readings. Those texts determines the main objectives of the pastoral work - to help people to shape the right, joyful attitudes of waiting and preparing to be ready for the coming of the Savior. The richness of liturgy and the heritage of popular piety allow us to understand the proper sense and meaning of that special time. The Advent masses (Rorate coeli mass), the novenas before the Christmas night, the Advent wreaths, the manger – those are only some but really important elements shaping the atmosphere and spirit of that period. The analysis of those elements – in terms of theology, history and pastoral practice could help us to prepare for the Mystery of Incarnation and will allow us to deepen the experience. Paying attention to proper understanding and right exercising of liturgy which itself is the best catechesis, seems to be a need which will always be important. The observation of contemporary ways of experiencing the Advent raises some concern because of the prevailing commercialization and materialistic approach of many people. The only real meaning of Advent, which makes it unique, is the coming of the Son of God – the One – Who is, Who was, and Who is coming.