What is Advent? - Advent is a period of preparation. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year which spans the four Sundays before Christmas. It is a period of preparation. The word is derived from the Latin word {Adventus}, which means {coming}. Whi
Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 1:30 am Post subject: What is Advent?
Advent is a period of preparation. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year which spans the four Sundays before Christmas. It is a period of preparation. The word is derived from the Latin word {Adventus}, which means {coming}. While it is observed as a time leading up to the celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Christ, it is also a time for Christians to prepare for the end of time and the second coming of our Lord and Savior. The traditions of Advent include wreaths, calendars and prayers to mark the progress of preparation, reflection and anticipation.
The Advent wreath includes four candles. Traditionally, three are purple and one is rose. The purple candles represent prayer, sacrifice, penance, and works of the faithful during this period. The lighting of the candles during each Sunday of Advent symbolizes the expectation that we are getting closer to the celebration of the first coming of the Lord and the anticipation of His second coming. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, which is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the imperative plural form of the Latin verb gaudere, which means {to rejoice}. It marks the midpoint of the preparations of Advent and the nearing of Christmas.
Historians credit the origins of the Advent calendar to the traditions of German Lutherans of the 19th century. The tradition was to draw lines of chalk on doors or other flat surfaces to mark the progression of Advent. The Advent calendars of today are a popular means for children to mark the days leading to Christmas. Some calendars have pockets for chocolates or candy. Others have little doors which reveal pictures or scripture. Children anticipate the new surprise revealed as the days count down to Christmas.
Perhaps the most important tradition of Advent is time spent in prayer. Advent prayers focus upon our preparation for the second coming of Christ. Advent prayer books include scripture and reflections for how we lead our lives, not just in preparation for the celebration of Christmas, but for the preparation for the end times when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. Through prayer and reflection, the faithful draw ever closer to God and celebrate the good news of salvation through our Lord and Savior.
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