Advent is a season observed by Christians as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming” or “arrival”. This season marks the beginning of the liturgical year in Western Christianity and typically lasts for four weeks, starting on the Sunday closest to November 30 and ending on Christmas Eve. Let’s look at how to make your Christmas more meaningful with advent and the traditions…
The History of Advent (hang in there, it’s just a bit lol)
The origins of Advent go back to the early centuries of the Christian church. Initially, it was a time of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, which celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, His baptism in the Jordan River, and His first miracle at Cana. Over time, it evolved into a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas.
Themes
Each week of Advent has a specific theme that helps us reflect on different aspects of our faith. These themes are:
- Hope: The first week focuses on the hope we have in Christ. This is a time to remember the prophecies of the Old Testament and the hope they brought to the people of Israel as they awaited the coming of the Messiah.
- Peace: The second week emphasizes peace, reminding us of the peace that Jesus brings into our lives and the world.
- Joy: The third week is all about joy, celebrating the joy that comes from knowing Jesus and the joy that His birth brings to the world.
- Love: The final week focuses on love, reflecting on God’s great love for us in sending His Son and how we can share that love with others.
Traditions
There are many beautiful traditions associated with Advent that can help us prepare our hearts for Christmas. The joy of traditions is how year after year they bring families and generations together….and it’s never too late to start a new one! Here are a few:
Advent Wreath
One of the most well-known traditions is the Advent wreath. This wreath typically consists of four candles arranged in a circle, with a fifth candle in the center. Each Sunday a new candle is lit, representing the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. The central candle, known as the Christ candle, is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day to symbolize the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World.
Calendar
The most common tradition – Advent calendars are a fun and interactive way to count down the days until Christmas. These calendars often have small doors or windows to open each day, revealing a Bible verse, a small gift, or a piece of chocolate. Advent calendars can be a wonderful way to engage children in the anticipation of Christmas and teach them about the significance of the season.
Devotions
Many Christians use the season of Advent as a time for special devotions and prayer. Reading daily Scripture passages, participating in Advent-themed Bible studies, or setting aside time each day for quiet reflection and prayer are great ways to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and draw closer to God during this busy season.
Why Should Christians Celebrate Advent?
So now that we have a better understanding of what Advent is and some of the traditions associated with it, let’s explore why Christians should celebrate this season.
1. Spiritual Preparation
Advent provides a structured time for spiritual preparation. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas and lose sight of its true meaning. Observing Advent helps us slow down and focus on the spiritual significance of the season. It reminds us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, both in His birth and His eventual return.
2. Renewed Hope
The season is filled with hope. As we reflect on the prophecies of the Old Testament and the fulfillment of those prophecies in the birth of Jesus, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and His promises. This renewed sense of hope can be a source of encouragement and strength, especially during difficult times.
3. Peace and Reflection
Advent is a time for peace and reflection. The themes of peace and love encourage us to seek reconciliation in our relationships and to extend grace and forgiveness to others. It is a time to reflect on the peace that Jesus brings into our lives and to strive to be peacemakers in our communities.
4. Joyful Anticipation
The joy of Advent is contagious. As we anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth, we are filled with a sense of joy and excitement. This joy is not just about the festivities and traditions, but about the incredible gift of God’s love and the salvation that Jesus brings. Celebrating Advent helps us to experience this joy more fully and to share it with others.
5. Deepened Faith
Finally, observing Advent can deepen our faith. The intentional practices and reflections of this season help us to grow in our relationship with God. As we focus on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, we are reminded of the core truths of our faith and the incredible story of God’s love for us. This deepened faith can carry us through the rest of the year and help us to live out our Christian beliefs more fully.
We encourage you to make your Christmas more meaningful with advent!
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Advent is a beautiful and meaningful season that offers us a chance to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas. By observing Advent, we can experience renewed hope, peace, joy, and love, and deepen our faith in the process. Whether through lighting Advent candles, reading daily devotions, or simply taking time for quiet reflection, there are many ways to celebrate this special season. As we journey through Advent, may we be reminded of the incredible gift of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas.
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