What is an advent calendar?

Response

The term ‘Advent’ originates from Latin, meaning ‘the coming,’ or more precisely, ‘coming toward.’ For Christians, Christmas stands out as a significant event in the annual cycle, commemorating the most extraordinary gift bestowed by God upon humanity. This gift was Jesus, the Son of God Himself, incarnated in human form, dwelling among us to reveal the true essence of God, sharing in human joys and sorrows, and ultimately, willingly enduring a dreadful, agonizing death. Through this sacrifice, the price was paid for all human sins that had separated us from our Holy God and Heavenly Father, leading to our complete and absolute reconciliation with Him.

Many centuries ago, the magnitude of this event led numerous Christians to believe that designating only a single day on the calendar each year to celebrate this remarkable gift from God was insufficient. These believers, then and now, are filled with awe, profound gratitude, and wonder at the events of that first Christmas, prompting a desire for a period of preparation beforehand. This period allowed them not only to reflect on its significance but also to impart to their children the immense importance of Christmas.

Initially, the days leading up to Christmas were marked on believers’ doors with chalk starting from December 1. Subsequently, in Germany in the late 19th century, a mother named Gerhard Lang created an Advent Calendar for her son, consisting of 24 small treats affixed to cardboard. Lang never forgot the thrill of receiving his Advent calendar at the start of each December, a daily reminder that the most significant celebration of the year was drawing closer. As an adult, he partnered with his friend Reichhold to establish a printing office. In 1908, they crafted what is believed to be the first-ever printed Advent Calendar featuring a colorful image for each day leading up to Christmas.Each day during Advent. Later, at the beginning of the 20th century, they came up with the idea of turning the pictures into small shuttered windows for children to open daily to enhance their sense of anticipation.

The concept of the Advent Calendar became popular among other printing companies as demand quickly grew, leading to the production of various versions. Some of these versions featured Bible verses suitable for the Advent season. The Advent Calendar had now gained worldwide popularity, with children worldwide eagerly requesting them as December approached. Unfortunately, this tradition came to a halt with the onset of the First World War when cardboard was strictly rationed and only permitted for essential war purposes. However, in 1946, as rationing began to ease after the Second World War, a printer named Richard Sellmer reintroduced the colorful Advent Calendar, which once again became an instant hit.

Regrettably, although the Advent Calendar remains popular with children, many have lost sight of its true significance. Often, children and their parents are unaware of the calendar’s history or its intended purpose, which is to prepare us for the celebration of the arrival of the Christ-child. Nevertheless, the continued worldwide celebration of Christmas presents a valuable opportunity for those who know Jesus Christ to share the gospel and the hope found in Him. May our joyful anticipation during the Advent season not only remind us that Christ came, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and was resurrected to offer us salvation, but also that He will come again. Let us be inspired to share the message of salvation in Him with those around us.

Discover instructions for creating a simple Advent calendar for children.