Advent Defined:
Advent, according to Merriam Webster's Dictionary, is derived from the Latin word adventus, which means coming, arrival, appearance. The Free Dictionary defines Advent as the arrival of an important person, thing, or event. Bible Study Tools takes these previous definitions to a Christian perspective by describing Advent as a season of preparation, anticipation, and celebration of the arrival of Jesus Christ: a tiny baby who would change the world in tremendous ways and impact lives for years to come.
History:
In the 4th century AD, it is believed that the Spaniards utilized Advent as a time to celebrate the baptism of new believers as the church prepared for Epiphany in January, which focuses upon God's coming to earth in the form of an infant or God's incarnation, the visit of the Magi, or wise advisors to the kings and the scholars of their day, to bring their gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh, and Gold to a young Jesus, and the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan by his cousin, John the Baptist. In the 6th century AD, the Roman people changed the view of Advent. They began the tradition of viewing Advent as the second coming of Jesus. (1)
Our current tradition of Advent was started during the Middle Ages during the Reformation: a period in history when the Protestant churches began because leaders were breaking away from the strict and sometimes corrupt leadership of the Catholic Church of that Era. (2) During the Medieval Times, the focus of Advent became a celebration of the birth of baby Jesus the Savior. (1)
It is also interesting to note that in England during the Middle Ages, nativity images or vessel cups, which held depictions of the holy family placed inside a box with a glass lid. This box was then carried around from home to home to bring good tidings of joy. The 18th century is noted as being the first time an Advent wreath was used. A Lutheran ministry missionary is said to have used the wreath as a visual tool to help people anticipate the upcoming arrival of Christ. In the 19th Century, German Protestants would count down to the holiday by simply placing twenty-four chalk marks on the door frame and erase one each day until Christmas. (3) (Neat, historical and inexpensive Advent calendar.)
Meaning of Advent:
The Advent Season is filled with symbolism. While the next four Sundays will detail that week's specific theme with an additional installment for Christmas Day, below is a brief insight into the meaning behind these traditional symbols.
Within the Christian Church, evergreen boughs in the form of a circle are utilized to represent everlasting life. They also represent God's unending love for us as a circle continues on forever. (1) (Please note that traditions may vary slightly depending upon the Denomination.) Typically, the wreath holds three purple candles to signify the royalty of Christ and the penitence of his people. The candle for week three is rose-colored to represent joy and Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. A white candle is often placed in the center of the evergreen wreath. This candle is lit on Christmas Day and is referred to as the Christ Candle. (4)
Are you ready to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, our Redeemer, Jesus? We'll start the celebration tomorrow (December 2, 2018) on the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is not only a time to remember that Christ was born into humble beginnings to be our sacrifice, nor just to remember that He is coming again one day, but also to remember that He is in our hearts when we turn our messy lives over to Him. He loves us because we are His beloved children.
Prayer:
Father God, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Your one and only Son, Jesus, we ask that just as You prepared a place for His birth those many years ago that You help us prepare a place for Him in our hearts today. May this Advent season help us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas: a time to celebrate the birth of Your precious child, to appreciate the promise You not only made but kept with us to provide a Saviour, to be thankful for Your amazing blessings, and to know Your unconditional love for us. Holy are You, Father, and worthy of praise not because of what You've done but simply because of who You are. Amen!
Footnotes
1. Christianity.com
2. WesternReservePublicMedia.org
3. Crivoice.org
4. UMC.org
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