While the secular world rushes around in a frenzy, preparing for Christmas, many Christians recall the reason for the great celebration by observing the season of Advent. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends at sundown on Christmas Eve.
Advent, ( from the Latin word "adventus", meaning coming or arrival ) is a time of prayer, fasting and penance, similar to Lent, but not as structured. It commemorates the first coming of Christ into the world as a baby through the Incarnation, but also looks forward to his second coming, as King of Kings, at the end of time.
Scripture readings during Advent include passages from the Old Testament which prophesy the coming of the Messiah:
" But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days." Micah 5:2
The readings also feature passages from the New Testament which promise that Jesus will return to earth in the future.
"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21: 25-28
The first clear historical reference to an Advent season was in the sixth century, in the Gelasian Sacramentary ( AD 750 ) but the times and practices of its observance varied in different areas. Presently, Advent is not celebrated in Eastern churches, although the people observe a long fast before Christmas.
During the Reformation, in an effort to distance themselves from Roman Catholic practices, many Protestant churches de-emphasized traditional feasts and seasons. However today, perhaps in an effort to counteract the excesses of secular celebrations, many reformed churches are rediscovering the richness and value of the tradition.
In the Roman Catholic faith, the First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. The traditional vestment color is violet or purple, except on the third Sunday which is known as Gaudete (Latin: rejoice) Sunday. On that day, the color is pink or rose to signify joy that the Savior's birth is near.
During the Advent season, special hymns are sung, such as the sixteenth century French hymn:
"O come, divine Messiah!
The world in silence waits the day
When hope shall sing its triumph,
And sadness flee away."
The Advent wreath has become a well-known symbol to mark the passage of time as Christmas approaches. Four candles, three purple and one pink are arranged in a circle on a base of evergreen boughs. One large, white candle, the "Christ candle", is placed in the center of the circle. On each Sunday before Christmas, a new candle is lit, the pink on the third Sunday of Advent.
At Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, as the bells chime and the Christmas carols burst forth, the four candles shine forth with the large white one aglow in the center of the circle, as a sign that Jesus has arrived.
It's useful to reflect that, every year, whether the cards are sent, whether the gifts are purchased, whether or not it snows on cue, Christmas always arrives. It will be the same with the second coming of Christ, it will surely arrive whether we are ready or not.
Advent is a time when Christians attempt to ensure that we will all be ready, for both of these important occasions.
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