Advent

Definition

Advent is the period of four weeks leading up to Christmas, observed by many Christians as a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. This season begins on Sunday closest to November 30 and emphasizes themes of hope, waiting, and anticipation, as believers reflect on both the nativity and the Second Coming of Christ.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve, making it a distinct liturgical season in Christianity.
2. The color associated with Advent is purple or violet, symbolizing penance and preparation, while pink is used on the third Sunday to signify joy.
3. During Advent, many churches hold special services that focus on themes such as hope, preparation, and the anticipation of Christ’s coming.
4. The tradition of using an Advent calendar originated in the 19th century as a way to count down the days until Christmas, often incorporating scripture readings or small gifts.
5. In some Christian denominations, Advent also includes an emphasis on personal reflection and spiritual readiness for both the celebration of Jesus' birth and his promised return.

Review Questions

• How does the observance of Advent reflect broader themes in Christian theology?
  • The observance of Advent reflects broader themes in Christian theology through its focus on hope, anticipation, and preparation. This season invites believers to prepare their hearts for both the celebration of Jesus' birth and the expectation of his return. The themes resonate with key aspects of faith, including waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled and recognizing the importance of spiritual readiness.
• Discuss how different Christian denominations may vary in their observance and significance of Advent.
  • Different Christian denominations may vary in their observance and significance of Advent based on theological emphasis and liturgical practices. For example, some traditions place a strong emphasis on penitence during this season, while others may focus more on celebration and joy. Additionally, practices such as lighting candles on an Advent wreath or using specific prayers can differ widely among denominations, reflecting diverse expressions of faith within Christianity.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural adaptations of Advent on modern celebrations of Christmas.
  • Cultural adaptations of Advent have significantly impacted modern celebrations of Christmas by blending traditional religious observances with contemporary customs. The use of Advent calendars has transformed into a popular way for families to count down to Christmas while often emphasizing material gifts rather than spiritual preparation. This shift illustrates how cultural influences can reshape religious practices and highlight the tension between maintaining spiritual significance and embracing secular traditions in festive celebrations.

Related terms

Incarnation: The theological concept that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ, central to Christian belief.

Liturgical Calendar: A calendar that outlines the annual cycle of Christian feasts and seasons, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.

Candles of Advent: Typically four candles arranged in a wreath, lit progressively each week during Advent, representing hope, peace, joy, and love.