Advent Preparation

“Tis the Season" is a phrase frequently heard in our society during the weeks before Christmas. The singing of "Deck the Halls" is an annual tradition when we are reminded, "Tis the season to be jolly!" Indeed, it refers to the festivities of the holiday season. However, it was originally used in connection with warm weather and the celebration of springtime. I would like to put a new spin on this phrase by connecting it to the celebration of Advent. This word is from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival." The four weeks before Christmas are meant for us to prepare for the birth of Christ. It is a season for waiting, reflection, and expectation.
 
The origins of Advent are difficult to trace. Some say it began in the fourth and fifth centuries in Spain and Gaul as a season of preparation for baptism of new Christians during Epiphany, when the Magi visit Jesus. Others say it started in 380 AD during the Council of Saragossa--a series of bishops meetings in Spain to adopt eight canons of their faith. Still others say it had its origins in 480 AD when monks fasted every day of the Advent season. Most would agree that it was not until the Middle Ages that Advent was linked to Christmas. The Roman Catholics not only tied the birth of Christ to Advent, but also the second coming of Christ in the clouds after He judges the world.

Churches who use an ecclesiastical calendar celebrate Advent. They include Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and some Methodists. The Advent wreath, evergreens twisted into a circle with four or five candles, are used in many of these churches. Each candle is used to count off the weeks before Christmas. The wreath is meant to demonstrate that there is no beginning or end to God's love for the world. I read in Christianity.com that the wreath was created in 1839 by Johann Wichern, a German man who founded a children's home. He needed a way to help the children keep track of the time when Christmas would arrive. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30.

The first candle lit on the wreath is called the Prophecy candle and stands for hope. The second one is the Bethlehem candle that calls for peace. The third candle is the Shepherd candle that represents joy. And the fourth candle is called the Angel candle which stands for love. If a fifth candle is included in the center, it is called the Christ candle that represents purity, light, holiness, and victory. It is lit on Christmas eve.

There are Scriptures typically read during the Advent season. These include Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Zechariah 9:9 and 12:10, and Malachi 3:1 All of these point to the awaited Messiah. Another verse that is read comes from Isaiah 40:31. "But those who hope in (wait upon) the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint." It is important that we do this waiting and hoping with expectation and that we reflect on the gift that God has given us. We should be reminded of God's great love for us in that the Son of God is Immanuel (God with us), and that the baby Jesus would grow up to become the sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. He did this so that we could spend eternity with Him in heaven. "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death--even death on a cross! Therefore, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:8-11) Hallelujah!