Season of Advent

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 16^th) 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.