What is Advent?

Response

Advent is the period leading up to Christmas, observed with various traditions and rituals by Catholics and other liturgical groups like Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists. In recent years, Advent celebrations have been incorporated into many evangelical services as well.

The term advent itself means “arrival” or “an appearing or coming into place.” Christians often refer to Christ’s “first advent” and “second advent”; that is, His initial and subsequent comings to earth. His first advent was the Incarnation—Christmas.

The Advent season spans four Sundays, commencing on the fourth Sunday before Christmas or the closest Sunday to November 30. Advent concludes on Christmas Eve, marking the start of the official Christmas season, which includes the ”twelve days of Christmas,” leading to Epiphany, and extending through the first Sunday after Epiphany. Therefore, Advent is a time of preparation, while Christmas is a time of celebration.

The Eastern Orthodox Church observes Advent, or the Nativity Fast, for 40 days, from November 15 through December 24. In the West, Advent has taken on a more festive character, although many churches also maintain a fast and emphasize prayer and penitence similar to Lent (sometimes referred to as “Little Lent”). Advent is viewed as a period to ready one’s heart for Christmas and for the eventual return of Christ (and the judgment He will bring to the world).

Churches that mark Advent typically adorn their sanctuaries in the liturgical color of Advent, purple (or sometimes royal blue). Some churches change the color to rose on the third or fourth Sunday of Advent to symbolize a joyous occasion.Eater emphasis on the joy of the season.

One of the most common Advent traditions involves the use of evergreen wreaths, branches, and trees. On the first Sunday of Advent, churches and homes are decorated with greenery to symbolize the eternal life that Jesus brings. An Advent wreath—an evergreen circle with four colored candles surrounding a white one in the middle—is placed in a prominent spot. The candles are then lit one at a time, on successive Sundays. The first candle is the candle of “hope” or “expectation.” The three remaining candles on the perimeter are given various meanings depending on the church. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the center white candle is lit; this is the “Christ Candle,” a reminder that Jesus, the Light of the World, has come.

Advent calendars, used to count down the days until Christmas, are popular in many homes. An Advent calendar contains a number of covered “windows” that are opened, one a day, until Christmas Day. Each open window reveals a picture related to the season, a poem, a Bible verse, or a treat of some kind. Many parents find that an Advent calendar is a good way to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas—although there are secular versions of the calendars, too.

Should Christians observe Advent? This is a matter of personal conviction. Here is the biblical principle: “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord” (Romans 14:5-6).

There is certainly nothing wrong with commemorating Jesus’ birth and anticipating His return—such commemoration and anticipation should be an everyday part of our lives. Are Christians required to observe Advent? No. Does observing Advent make one a better Christian or more acceptable to God? No. Can celebrating Advent be a good reminder

Are you aware of the real meaning of the season? Yes, and that is where its utmost significance lies.