ADVENT

Advent is a time of waiting, of conversion, of hope:

• waiting — in remembrance of the first humble coming of the Savior in our mortal flesh;

• waiting — in supplication for the final glorious coming of Christ, Lord of history and universal Judge;

• conversion — to which the Liturgy of this season often invites us through the voice of the prophets and above all that of John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand” (Mt 3:2);

• joyful hope — that the salvation already brought by Christ (cf. Rom 8:24–25) and the realities of grace already present in the world may reach their maturity and fullness, so that promise may turn into fulfillment, faith into vision, and “we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he really is” (1 Jn 3:2).

Advent has two parts:

• From the First Sunday of Advent until December 16, the liturgy focuses on the expectation of Christ’s final coming.

• From December 17 onward, the liturgy enters the second part of Advent, marked more specifically by readings from the Gospels that concern the expectation of Jesus and his birth.

The liturgical color is violet, except on the third Sunday, which is rose — a sign of joy, since the coming of the Messiah is near. In fact, this Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday or the Sunday of Joy.

During Advent, the Liturgy frequently and in a special way honors the Blessed Virgin: it recalls certain women of the Old Covenant who were figures and prophecies of her mission; it praises the faith and humility with which Mary of Nazareth immediately and wholly united herself to God’s saving plan; it sheds light on her presence in the gracious events that occurred before the Savior’s birth. Popular devotion, too, dedicates particular attention during Advent to the Blessed Virgin; this is clearly shown by the many acts of veneration, especially the novenas of the Immaculate Conception and of Christmas.

Advent & Christmas 2024 at Lapsi Church

christmas

After Easter, the most ancient celebration in the Church is the commemoration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Christmas season begins with the First Vespers of Christmas and continues until the Sunday after the 6th of January.

Through his birth, Jesus entered human history, born as one of us in the cave at Bethlehem. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel believed there was a great distance between God and humanity. That distance was closed forever when, in the poverty and humility of Bethlehem, without splendour or fanfare, Jesus stepped into the story of humankind.

Pope Benedict XVI reminds us:

"As we gradually draw close to the Holy Night, the liturgy, increasing in spiritual intensity, makes us repeat: "Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!". This invocation rises from the hearts of believers in all corners of the earth and ceaselessly resounds in every Ecclesial Community.

At Christmas the hoped-for Messiah will come, the One who at the synagogue in Nazareth was to apply to himself the ancient prophetic words: "The Lord... has sent me... to proclaim liberty to captives" (Lk 4: 18). The Redeemer of man will come to set us free and break the shackles of error, egoism and sin that imprison us. Christ will come to release the human heart with his love. How important it is to prepare ourselves to receive him with humility and sincerity!

The heavenly Father shows his mercy to humanity in the mystery of Christ's Birth. He did not want to leave men and women to themselves and their sin but came to meet their needs, offering them forgiveness that frees them from the oppression of sin with the power of his grace."

(Address to the Italian Armed Forces, 16 December 2005)

The Christmas season also includes an octave, with each day marked by its own celebration:

– On the Sunday within the octave, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

– On December 26, the feast of St Stephen, the first martyr.

– On December 27, the feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist.

– On December 29, the feast of the Holy Innocents.

– On January 1, the solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, commemorating the giving of the Holy Name of Jesus.

– On the Sunday most close to January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord; and on the following Sunday, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The Christmas Season at Lapsi Church

Each year, the historic Lapsi Church in St Julian’s comes alive with the spirit of Christmas — a season of light, prayer, and community. From the first Sunday of Advent until the Solemnity of the Ephiphany, the church is beautifully adorned through the dedicated work of the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi, San Ġiljan, whose members prepare the sacred space for worship and celebration. Through liturgy, music, art, and charity, the community renews its joyful witness to the mystery of the Incarnation.

Among its aims, the Għaqda Dilettanti Knisja ta’ Lapsi, San Ġiljan remains deeply committed to supporting the organisation of the various feasts held throughout the year and to adorning the church fittingly for these occasions and for the entire liturgical cycle. Preparations for Christmas begin on the first Sunday of Advent and continue until Christmas Eve. Week by week, the church gradually takes on that serene and prayerful atmosphere so closely associated with this holy season. As always, the work begins with a thorough cleaning of the church, followed by the hanging of damask drapery along the choir pillars and arches, the setting up of Christmas garlands and lighting, and the arrangement of flowers and greenery. The large angel statues by Carlo Darmanin are placed in their customary positions next to the altar, and the crib is set up on one of the side altars, while the others are dressed with seasonal altar frontals, candlesticks and decorations.

The altar dedicated to St Joseph is prepared in time for the novena, during which the veiled figure of the the Christ Child is placed upon the altar and later carried in procession to the main altar on Christmas Eve. The final touches include poinsettias, the vetch that would have been lovingly cultivated in the preceding weeks, and fresh floral arrangements prepared by Stephen Schembri and his team at Meme's Fleuriste.

Over the years, our voluntary organisation has also undertaken several artistic projects that have enriched the Christmas celebrations within the church. Among these is a beautiful Christmas crib designed and built by Julian Scicluna — a work that blends craftsmanship and devotion, offering a poignant visual meditation on the mystery of the Nativity. The crib, which takes pride of place on the altar dedicated to Saints Anne and Joachim during the festive season, has become one of the most cherished features of the church’s Christmas adornment.

Another important recent addition is a new statue of Gesu Fanciullo, Christ as a young boy, a papier-mâché work by renowned Lecce-based artist Antonio Papa. A native of Surano in the Salento region of southern Italy, Papa trained in the historic Malecore Brothers workshop and now directs his own studio, where he continues the living tradition of sacred sculpture in papier-mâché, terracotta, and clay. His works, many of which are found in churches across Italy and beyond, are admired for their artistry and profound spiritual presence. In 2013, one of his statues — representing St Michael the Archangel — was blessed by Pope Francis in Assisi. Papa is also an accomplished organist and a passionate cultural ambassador, promoting the artistic heritage of Lecce’s papier-mâché tradition through exhibitions, conferences, and documentaries such as I Santi di Carta. Commissioned by our voluntary organisation, the statue was created to be displayed on the high altar from the solemnity of the Epiphany until the feast of the Presentation of the Lord — Candlemas — which concludes the Christmas season on 2 February. 

Recent years have also seen the restoration and embellishment of various liturgical furnishings and decorations — such as pedestals for angel figures near the presbytery and new liturgical hangings to grace the main altar during this season — part of the ongoing effort to preserve and enrich the beauty of the church.

Throughout Advent and Christmas, a series of community activities bring parishioners together in faith and celebration. These often include a festive lunch, the annual Christmas concert, and charitable initiatives to assist those in need. One of the most beloved traditions remains the procession with the bambino — a custom first introduced in Malta by St George Preca, founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.). This touching devotion, inspired by his desire to instil in children and families a living love for the mystery of the Incarnation, sees the statue of the Christ Child carried in procession through the streets, accompanied by hymns of joy and prayer. The members of our voluntary organisation regularly take part in this event, which continues to unite the parish community in the simple yet profound faith that marks the Maltese Christmas spirit.

Each year, the generosity of parishioners and members of our voluntary organisation is evident in their response to the call to donate gifts and support local charitable causes, particularly those assisting vulnerable individuals and families. A highlight of the season is the annual Christmas concert held in the beautifully decorated church. Each year’s edition features a unique theme, offering an opportunity to explore the richness of sacred and classical music in a spirit of reflection and joy. With the participation of established choirs, soloists, and orchestras — often under the direction of distinguished Maltese conductors and with the valued support of the St Julian’s Local Council — the concert continues to be a moment of beauty and community pride. Following the performance, attendees are traditionally invited to share mulled wine and mince pies on the parvis in a warm atmosphere of fellowship.

The solemn Christmas Eve Mass remains the spiritual high point of the season. Celebrated in the magnificently adorned church, it is marked by heartfelt prayer, beautiful hymns, and a profound sense of reverence and unity. The liturgy, animated by members of the Coro Bel Canto, concludes with a moment of joyful community gathering on the parvis.

In the days following Christmas, the church remains open for periods of Eucharistic adoration — a quiet opportunity for prayer and reflection before the Blessed Sacrament. This initiative, now a cherished annual tradition, continues to draw many parishioners who come to spend time in silence and devotion during the Octave of Christmas.

Above all, Christmas is a time that calls us to think of others — to open not only our homes but also our hearts. Through the generosity of parishioners, volunteers, and friends, our voluntary organisation, captained in such initiatives by Treasurer Victor Tanti, strives each year to bring light, warmth, and hope to the community, ensuring that the joy of the Nativity is shared with all.

As each Christmas season unfolds, Lapsi Church continues to stand as a beacon of faith and beauty in the heart of St Julian’s. Through the devotion of its people and the enduring message of the Nativity, it reminds us that the light of Christ is born anew in every act of love, generosity, and hope.

Photos from past Christmas celebrations at Lapsi Church. Help us organise these festivities by donating: