What Is Advent?
Our ministry receives many inquiries about Advent. This tells us that not everyone is familiar with Advent and the reason it is celebrated/observed. That being the case, we thought it might be helpful to share a little information about it here with all of you.
Advent is considered a season within the Christian calendar, representing a period of preparation and anticipation building towards Christmas, instead of a single holiday; it includes the four Sundays before Christmas Day.
The meaning of the word "Advent" originates from trhe Latin "adventus," meaning "coming," in respect to the coming of Jesus Christ. During Advent, Christians traditionally meditate, look prayerfully to the birth of Jesus, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas.
Although the Bible doesn't mention anything about observing Advent, this tradition has existed within the global Christian church for hundreds of years. In fact, it's nearly as old as the church itself, with the earliest references to the tradition happening as early as 380 AD at the Council of Saragossa.
© Concordia Publishing House
The season of Advent lasts four weeks, commencing with the fourth Sunday before Christmas. During this time, believers reflect on a main theme for each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve: hope, peace, joy, and love. It is tradition in many churches to light a candle on a wreath for each Sunday of Advent; denoting one of the themes.
Regarding "who" observes/celebrates Advent, the Bible Project offers this additional information, "People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community. Additionally, some people celebrate Advent without the focus on Jesus' arrival, seeing the tradition as a fun way to countdown to Christmas."
Setting aside all else, our hearts and minds should be centered on one thing, and one thing only; the birth of Jesus Christ.
The great 19th century preacher, Charles H. Spurgeon once said, "The birth of Jesus is the grandest light of history, the sun in the heavens of all time. It is the pole-star of human destiny, the hinge of chronology, the meeting-place of the waters of the past and the future."
May all your days be blessed in His Name,
The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry
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