The season of Advent is a time of anticipation and reflection for Christians around the world. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year and serves as a period of preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. But Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas; it is a season rich with traditions, spiritual practices, and profound significance. This article delves into what Christians do during Advent, exploring its history, customs, and the ways believers embrace this sacred time.
The History and Significance of Advent
Advent, derived from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “coming” or “arrival,” has been observed by Christians since at least the 4th century. Originally, it was a time for new converts to prepare for baptism. Over the centuries, it evolved into a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and his eventual second coming.
The Advent season typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve. It is a time of both joyful expectation and penitent reflection. The dual themes of Advent—celebrating Jesus’ first coming and anticipating his return—are central to its observance.
Lighting the Advent Wreath
One of the most recognizable traditions of Advent is the lighting of the Advent wreath. This practice involves a circular wreath made of evergreen branches, symbolizing eternal life. Four candles—three purple and one pink—are placed around the wreath, with a fifth white candle in the center, known as the Christ candle.
Each Sunday of Advent, one of the candles is lit, accompanied by prayers and scripture readings. The first candle represents hope, the second peace, the third joy (signified by the pink candle), and the fourth love. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the Christ candle is lit, symbolizing the light of Christ coming into the world.
Daily Advent Readings and Prayers
During Advent, many Christians engage in daily readings and prayers to deepen their spiritual reflection. These readings often come from an Advent devotional or a specific lectionary that guides the faithful through scriptures relevant to the season. The practice of daily readings helps believers focus on the themes of Advent and prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ.
Prayers during Advent often emphasize themes of waiting, preparation, and hope. They seek God’s guidance and strength as believers prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus and look forward to his second coming. Many families and individuals create a dedicated time each day to gather, read, and pray together, fostering a sense of communal and familial devotion.
The Jesse Tree Tradition
The Jesse Tree is another meaningful Advent tradition. It involves decorating a small tree or a branch with ornaments that represent the stories of the Bible leading up to Jesus’ birth. Each ornament is a symbol of a biblical story or character, such as Noah’s Ark, the Ten Commandments, or the Star of Bethlehem.
The name “Jesse Tree” comes from Isaiah 11:1, which says, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” This tradition helps families trace the lineage of Jesus and understand the broader narrative of God’s salvation plan throughout history.
Advent Calendars: Counting Down the Days
Advent calendars are a popular way for families, especially those with children, to count down the days until Christmas. These calendars often come in various forms, from simple paper designs with small windows to elaborate creations with hidden surprises or treats for each day of Advent.
Each day, a new window or compartment is opened, revealing a scripture verse, a devotional thought, or a small gift. Advent calendars help build anticipation and excitement for Christmas, making the wait more tangible and engaging for young and old alike.
Fasting and Acts of Charity
In many Christian traditions, Advent is also a time of fasting and acts of charity. Similar to Lent, some believers choose to give up certain foods, luxuries, or activities to focus more intently on their spiritual preparation. This practice of self-denial serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and humility that Jesus demonstrated.
Acts of charity are also emphasized during Advent. Christians are encouraged to serve others, particularly those in need, as a way of embodying Christ’s love and compassion. Whether through volunteering, donating to charitable organizations, or performing random acts of kindness, these actions reflect the spirit of Advent and the call to love one’s neighbor.
Advent Music and Hymns
Music plays a significant role in the Advent season. Many churches incorporate special hymns and songs into their services that reflect the themes of waiting and preparation. Classics such as “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” are commonly sung during this time.
Advent music is often more solemn and reflective compared to the jubilant Christmas carols that follow. This distinction helps worshippers enter into the contemplative spirit of the season, allowing them to meditate on the profound mysteries of the Incarnation and the hope of Christ’s return.
Feast Days and Saints
Advent includes several feast days that add richness to the season. One of the most well-known is the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6th. St. Nicholas, the inspiration for the modern-day Santa Claus, was known for his generosity and care for the poor. On this day, some cultures exchange small gifts or sweets, honoring his legacy of kindness.
Another significant feast is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, celebrating the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. This day is especially important in the Catholic Church and is marked by special masses and prayers.
Personal Reflection and Spiritual Renewal
Advent is an invitation to personal reflection and spiritual renewal. Many Christians take this time to examine their lives, confess their sins, and seek God’s forgiveness and guidance. It is a season for cultivating a deeper relationship with God and aligning one’s life with the teachings of Jesus.
Journaling, meditation, and quiet times of prayer are common practices during Advent. These moments of solitude and introspection help believers center their hearts and minds on the true meaning of the season, moving beyond the commercial hustle and bustle to embrace the profound spiritual significance of Advent.
see also: The Start of the Advent Calendar: A Journey into the Season of Hope
Community Gatherings and Celebrations
Community gatherings and celebrations are also an integral part of Advent. Churches often hold special services, such as Lessons and Carols, which combine scripture readings with traditional hymns. These services recount the story of salvation from the Old Testament prophecies to the birth of Christ.
Advent fairs, markets, and social events bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and shared anticipation. These gatherings provide opportunities for fellowship, support, and encouragement as believers journey through the Advent season together.
Advent in Different Christian Traditions
Advent is observed in various ways across different Christian traditions. In the Roman Catholic Church, Advent is marked by specific liturgical practices, including the use of violet vestments and the omission of the Gloria in Mass, reflecting the penitential nature of the season.
In Protestant denominations, Advent wreaths, calendars, and special services are common. The emphasis on scripture readings and hymns helps congregants prepare spiritually for Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, Advent is known as the Nativity Fast, a time of fasting and increased prayer leading up to the celebration of the Nativity.
Conclusion: The Heart of Advent
Advent is a season that calls Christians to pause, reflect, and prepare. It is a time to remember the coming of Christ in history and to look forward to his return. Through traditions like the Advent wreath, daily readings, acts of charity, and community gatherings, believers enter into a period of joyful anticipation and spiritual renewal.
The practices of Advent help to center the heart and mind on the true meaning of Christmas. They offer a counterbalance to the often hectic and commercialized holiday season, inviting Christians to embrace a deeper, more meaningful celebration of the birth of Jesus. As the candles of the Advent wreath are lit week by week, the light grows stronger, reminding us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into the world.