Advent is
the season that begins the liturgical year. It consists of the four
Sundays before Christmas. The word advent is derived from the
Latin adventus, which means "coming" or
"arrival." In the societies of the Roman empire, the word adventus referred
to the arrival of a person of dignity and great power -- a king, emperor, or
even one of the gods. For Christians, Advent is the time when the church
patiently prepares for the coming of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.
Advent is
the first part of a larger liturgical season that includes Christmas and Epiphany and
continues until the beginning of Lent. Even
though Advent occurs in the month of December and is usually considered to be a
prelude to Christmas, it is
not simply about waiting for the birth of Christ. Advent is as much about
preparing for Christ's return on Judgment Day. Indeed, the Advent season
focuses on Christ's threefold coming -- past, present, and
future. First, we remember the Lord's humble first coming in
Bethlehem two thousand years ago. Second, we give thanks for His
present and continual coming to us through Word and
Sacrament. Finally, we look forward with hope and longing to His
second coming in glory.
Purple was
the traditional color for the season of Advent. But in more recent
times, some churches have adopted blue as the color for Advent. At St.
Thomas', we use blue hangings. Blue
represents hope, expectation, and heaven. It is also the color associated
with the Virgin Mary in art and iconography. On the 3rd Sunday of
Advent, a pink or rose color may be used.
This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete,
which means "rejoice" in Latin, is the opening word of the Introit
for that Sunday: Rejoice!… the Lord is near.
(Philippians 4:4). The pink color
symbolizes the joy of the day.
The
Advent wreath is one of the most popular symbols used by Christians during the
season of Advent. These wreaths, consisting of a circle of evergreen
branches set around four candles, are used in both churches and Christian
homes. The evergreen circle stands for the eternal life that Christ
has won for all believers. The
burning candles represent the coming of Christ as the light of the world (John 1:4-9). Usually
there are three blue (purple) candles and one pink candle.
While the
rest of secular society is already caught up in the frantic rush of shopping,
decorations, parties, and other distractions, the church takes pause during
Advent to contemplate the wonder of God's underserved mercy and love in Jesus
Christ. Christians approach the Advent season much as expectant
parents approach the months before a child is born. There are
feelings of exhilaration, uneasiness, longing, and awe as the day of arrival
approaches. Just as parents do everything they can to get ready and
put things into good order, God's people prepare themselves at home and at
church for the coming of the Lord by exercising the disciplines of
Advent: confession and repentance, fervent prayer, and the reading
of Scripture.
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