ADVENT SEASON
The
term advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means
“coming.” In the early Middle Ages, this term came to apply to a period of
preparation for Christ’s birth, his “coming” into the world, on Christmas day.
One of the earliest traditions associated with this season was fasting.
In
fifth century, France, under the direction of Bishop Perpetuus of Tours (in
office from 461- 490 AD), Christians fasted between St. Martin’s Day (November
11) and Epiphany (January 6). Since this fast, known as St. Martin’s Lent, excluded weekends, it added up to
approximately 40 days. Thus, it was compared to Christ’s time in the desert
(Matthew 4:1-2) and the practice of Lent (the 40 days of fasting before
Easter). Though the original fast ended on Epiphany, it eventually culminated on
Christmas day (as December 25 rapidly earned prominence among Christians). With
time, the practice of fasting spread and came to be specifically associated
with a period of preparation for Christmas.
In
the sixth century, a more formal season of Advent began to take shape. By
sanctioning the practice of fasting and by encouraging churches to devote
several Sunday sermons to the subject of Christ’s birth, Pope Gregory I (in
office from 590-604 AD) has been credited with establishing the first clear
form of an Advent season. However, Gregory granted “a certain latitude to the
several churches as to the manner of [Advent’s] observance." Thus, for the next several centuries, the traditions of individual churches
varied widely.
In
regard to the length of Advent, by the 10th century, most churches recognized
the season to include the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day. If Christmas Eve
fell on a Sunday, it was considered the fourth Sunday. Or rather, the first
Sunday since “these Sundays were then counted inversely, that is, the nearest
to Christmas was called the first Sunday, and so on with the rest."
In
regard to the practice of fasting, by the 14th century, the tradition had
largely been lost. Pope Urban V (in office from 1362-1370) required only that
“all the clerics of his court should keep abstinence during Advent, without in
any way including others, either clergy or laity, in this law.” Though fasting (an outward expression of penitence and preparation during the
Advent season) is no longer formally practiced, customs associated with Advent
wreaths have become a popular way to prepare for the “coming” (or Advent) of
Jesus on Christmas Day.
WHAT DOES ADVENT
SYMBOLIZE?
Advent
symbolizes the church's present situation in these “last days” (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2) as
God’s people wait for the return of Christ in glory to consummate his eternal
kingdom. The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old
Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming
of the Messiah. Israel looked back to God’s past gracious actions on their
behalf in leading them out of Egypt in the Exodus, and on this basis, they
called for God once again to act for them. In the same way, the church, during
Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time
looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he
returns for his people.
In this light, the Advent
hymn “O
Come, O Come, Emmanuel” perfectly represents the church’s cry
during the Advent season: O come, O
come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
While
Israel would have sung the song in expectation of Christ’s first coming, the
church now sings the song to commemorate the first coming and expects the
second coming in the future.
The
Book of Acts records:
“[The apostles] were
looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed
in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here
looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven,
will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’” (Acts
1:10-11).
The
Latin term adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia,
which is often used in reference to the second coming of Christ. The Gospel of
Matthew records Jesus’ words about this coming, or parousia, as follows:
“For as lightning that
comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming [the
Advent] of the Son of Man. . . . all the nations . . . will see the Son of Man
coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send
his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the
four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other. . . . No one knows about
that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the
Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming [the Advent]
of the Son of Man. So . . . be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an
hour when you do not expect him” (Matthew 24:27-44).
Clearly,
Jesus wants his people to be prepared for his return. Though he came first as a
servant and a saviour, he will come again as a ruler and a judge and will
establish an eternal kingdom on a new earth. The Apostle Peter writes, “But in
keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new
earth, the home of righteousness” (2 Peter 3:13). May believers “eagerly wait
for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed” (1 Corinthians 1:7) and be ever ready
for his second Advent!
ADVENT LITURGICAL TRADITIONS AND
CELEBRATIONS
To
balance the two elements of remembrance and anticipation, the first two Sundays
in Advent (through December 16th) look forward to Christ’s
second coming, and the last two Sundays look backward to
remember Christ’s first coming. Over the course of the four weeks, Scripture
readings move from passages about Christ’s return in judgment to Old Testament
passages about the expectation of the coming Messiah to New Testament passages
about the announcements of Christ’s arrival by John the Baptist and the Angels.
One
catechism describes Advent
spirituality beautifully: “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent
each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by
sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful
renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor’s
birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: ‘He must
increase, but I must decrease.’”
Different
Christian denominations may have variations in how they observe Advent, but
here are some common traditions and practices associated with the holiday
season:
Advent
Wreath: Lighting
candles on an Advent wreath is a common practice. The wreath typically has four
candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent. A new candle is lit
on each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
Advent
Calendar: Many
families and churches use Advent calendars to count down the days until
Christmas. These calendars often have small doors or pockets that conceal a
treat or a small item to be opened each day in December.
Scripture
Readings: Reading
passages from the Bible that focus on the prophecy and anticipation of the
Messiah is a common Advent tradition. This can include readings from the Old
Testament, particularly from the book of Isaiah.
Prayer
and Reflection: Advent
is a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Many Christians use this season
to prepare their hearts for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Some
churches may have special Advent prayer services or devotional guides for
personal reflection.
Jesse
Tree: The Jesse Tree is
a symbolic way of recounting the genealogy of Jesus, starting from Jesse, the
father of King David. Each day, a different ornament or symbol is added to a tree
or wreath, representing key figures and events from the Old Testament that led
to the birth of Jesus.
Acts of Kindness and Charity: Advent
is also seen as a time of giving and helping others. Many Christians engage in
acts of kindness, charity, or volunteer work during this season.
Christmas
Hymns: Singing
hymns and carols that focus on the themes of Advent and Christmas is a common
tradition. Many churches have special musical performances or choir
presentations during Advent.
Nativity Scenes: Setting up a nativity scene
at home or in church is a tradition that helps focus on the central story of
Christmas—the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
WHAT IS AN ADVENT CALENDAR?
The
Advent calendar tradition seemingly dates back to the 1850s. The calendar
typically includes 24 doors or boxes to open, one for every day in December
leading up to Christmas Day. Advent calendars, which can take various forms,
are used by many families and individuals as a daily countdown to Christmas,
with the small doors or compartments that reveal a surprise or piece of
chocolate each day, further building anticipation for the holiday. However, the
Advent calendar has a much deeper purpose and significance than just a treat.
An
Advent calendar is a unique calendar used to help us countdown to December
25th: The celebration of the birth of Jesus. Advent calendars range between 22
and 28 days, depending on the day of the week for Christmas.
We
count down to the celebration of the first Advent because we have a set day on
the calendar since it has already occurred. We commemorate the birth of Jesus
on December 25. Although it’s doubtful that December 25th was Jesus’ actual
birthday, it’s traditionally selected to remember and reflect on the birth of
our Lord and Savior.
