Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most
churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the
fourth Sunday before Christmas day, which is the Sunday
nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec
24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as
the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper
beginning at sundown.
Historically, the primary sanctuary color of Advent
is Purple, the color of royalty to welcome the Advent
of the King. The purple of Advent is also the color
of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. This points
to an important connection between Jesus’ birth
and death.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus
of the entire season is the celebration of the birth
of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation
of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent.
Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000
year old event. It is celebrating a truth about God,
the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation
might be reconciled to God.
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, of anticipation,
of preparation, of longing. There is a yearning for
deliverance from the evils of the word, first expressed
by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from
their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who
have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world
under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance
from a God who has heard the cries of oppressed slaves
and brought deliverance!
Advent is one of the few Christian festivals that can
be observed in the home as well as at church. With its
association with Christmas, Advent is a natural time
to involve children in activities at home that directly
connect with worship at church. In the home an Advent
wreath is often placed on the dining table and lighted
at meals, with Scripture readings preceding the lighting
of the candles, especially on Sunday. A new candle is
lighted each Sunday during the four weeks, and then
the same candles are lighted each meal during the week.
In this context, it provides the opportunity for family
devotion and prayer together, and helps teach the Faith
to children, especially if they are involved in reading
the daily Scriptures.
Some families decorate the house for the beginning of
Advent, or bake special cookies or treats, or simply
begin to use table coverings for meals. An Advent Calendar
is a way to keep children involved in the entire season.
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