Perhaps you’re familiar with Advent, that season of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
What is Advent?
Advent is a season when Christians get ready for Christmas.
The word Advent, meaning “a coming” or “an arrival,” comes from the Latin prefix ‘ad- ‘meaning “to”, and the root ‘venire’ meaning “to come.” The English word is derived from the Latin’ adventus’ meaning “arrival.” Advent as a religious term dates back to the 10th or 11th century, but its secular use did not become popular until 1742. [1]
It is celebrated on four Sundays that precede Christmas and ends on 24 December (Christmas Eve). This is also the beginning of the Church liturgical year.
Many Christian families attend church every Sunday during Advent.
The liturgical colours for this season are purple (or violet) and rose (or pink). Most churches use purple or violet vestments during their services.
First Sundays of Advent from 2022-2050
2022 27 November
2023 3 December
2024 1 December
2025 30 November
2026 29 November
2027 28 November
2028 3 December
2029 2 December
2030 1 December
2028 3 December
2029 2 December
2030 1 December
2031 30 November
2032 28 November
2033 27 November
2034 3 December
2035 2 December
2036 30 November
2037 29 November
2038 28 November
2039 27 November
2040 2 December
2041 1 December
2042 30 November
2043 29 November
2044 27 November
2045 3 December
2046 2 December
2047 1 December
2048 29 November
2049 28 November
2050 27 November
A time expectation
Christians go through it in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas and Jesus‘s birthday, but it can also be an occasion of expectation for peace, celebration, and joy to come.
A Time of Hope
For Christians, it reminds them that God came down to earth as a child so that he could show the way back to heaven—and that is the hope that keeps people going through our darkest times.
It is also a reminder that this world isn’t all bad, and any negative feelings won’t consistently feel like it does right now.
A Time of Joy and Wonder
It’s also a time to celebrate the joy of being alive and the wonder of being human.
How is it celebrated by Christians around the world
The four weeks preceding Christmas are celebrated by lighting candles and praying. These special Advent services are held in churches around the world.
In many churches, there is an Advent wreath that has four candles. The first candle is always lit on the first Sunday. And each week, one candle is lit until the four candles are burning as Christmas approaches. Each Sunday also has a unique theme or colour associated with it.
Some churches have a unique music program for the season as well. Christians may sing traditional hymns or newer songs about the waiting and preparation seasons leading to the celebration of Jesus‘ birth on Christmas Day.
Some traditions associated with Advent include baking, homemade gifts, and decorating the outside of your house to celebrate Christmas.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is a time of great hope and joy for Christians. It’s a celebration of the birth of Christ that inspires Christians to look forward to the coming of the new year with joy and happiness.
Still today, it helps us reflect on how we can better ourselves, our actions and our world for the next year to come.
References
Macmillan Dictionary Blog. (2017). What is Advent? [online] Available at: https://www.macmillandictionaryblog.com/advent [Accessed 15 December 2022].
Images Used
Photo by lil artsy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-angel-figurine-near-christmas-ball-3440668/
Photo by Torsten Dettlaff: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-calendar-on-white-surface-195030/
Photo by Markus Spiske: https://www.pexels.com/photo/numbers-advent-candles-box-965623/
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/acorn-advent-blur-bright-278508/
0 Comments