Advent Begins

My favorite time of the year began yesterday for Catholics and Anglicans and others on a Western liturgical calendar. Eastern Orthodox folks get 6 Sundays of Advent. I would say the Orthodox are lucky in that respect, but they get the strict Orthodox fast without much of the good Western Advent music. They have their own liturgical tradition which is beauty but its a whole different bird than the stock O Come, O Come Emmanuel and Lo, He Comes on Clouds Descending. Other mainline and Evangelical churches just jump right to Christmas, although a few are rediscovering the beauty of Advent. Although, unlike Lent, I have found non-liturgical Protestants who do Advent are really just doing Christmas with liturgical purple, but, you know, small steps...

The roots of Advent can be traced back to the early centuries of Christianity, particularly in the 4th and 5th centuries. While the exact origins are somewhat obscure, it is believed that early Christians observed a period of preparation for the celebration of the Nativity (Christmas). This was a time of penance and reflection, similar to the Lenten season that precedes Easter. There is some recent historical debate that says Advent was not a period of fasting but the fact that there are plenty of Papal pronouncements over the centuries giving dispensations for Advent fasting practices and other Advent penances, I find those claims to be rather spurious at best.  

The formal establishment of Christmas on December 25 is often credited to Pope Julius I in the 4th century, but the Feast of the Annunciation has been around much longer than that, and 9 months after the Annunciation is, in fact December 25th, so that is also a big historical grey area. As the Church sought to prepare the faithful for this significant feast, a season of Advent began to take shape, focusing on both the anticipation of Christ’s birth and His second coming.

By the 6th century, Advent began to be recognized as a distinct liturgical season. The term "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival." The season typically lasts four weeks, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (the feast of St. Andrew) and culminating on Christmas Eve.

As Advent developed, various customs and practices emerged. The use of the Advent wreath, which features four candles representing the four Sundays of Advent, became popular in the 19th century. There were wreaths with candles used during Advent since at least the Reformation. The number of candles and significance liturgically speaking in the 1500s period is debated. There are accounts of wreathes with 10 or even 40 candles being used in various churches. Due to the fire hazard, the number of candles dwindled down to 4. 

One tradition is that each candle symbolizes themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, reflecting the spiritual journey toward Christmas, though there are other symbolisms that can be used. Over time, the liturgy for Advent evolved, incorporating specific readings, prayers, and hymns that emphasize themes of preparation, hope, and expectation. The color purple (or violet) is traditionally used during Advent, symbolizing penance and preparation, while rose may be used on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) to signify joy.

Today, Advent is celebrated in many different ways, with many churches incorporating special services, Advent calendars, and community activities that emphasize the themes of waiting, hope, and renewal. This can range from traditional Lessons and Carols services to Advent by Candlelight banquets. The focus on social justice and charitable giving during this season has also become increasingly prominent.

The history of Advent reflects the Church's journey in preparing for the celebration of Christ's birth and His eventual return. From its early beginnings as a period of penance to its current status as a season of hope and anticipation, Advent invites Christians to engage in a transformative spiritual journey. As believers reflect on the significance of Christ’s coming, they are called to embody the values of the Kingdom of God in their daily lives, making Advent a meaningful time of preparation and renewal.

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