Advent

It’s that time of year—one of my most favorite times of year! In the Christian church, it is referred to as Advent. At my house, it’s the time of year I can finally listen to Christmas music without getting an eye roll. ;) Over the weekend, I pulled out my Christmas decorations—one of which is an Advent wreath. I grew up with this tradition, of lighting a candle each of the four Sundays prior to Christmas, and then the final candle on Christmas Day. So, I was caught a bit off guard when Jason asked me to explain the Advent tradition and it’s meaning.

Hmmmmm…well…

Honestly, I have to admit I was stumped. So I brought it up in conversation with several friends and family this weekend: what exactly is Advent? What do each of the candles represent? Surprisingly enough, no one I asked could explain it in full detail. My parents actually even remember not having the tradition when they were growing up, it was more or less “recognized” into the Protestant (or maybe just Christian Reformed) traditions about the time they were married thirty-five years ago.

So, I did some investigation. Here is a summary of what I learned and what I feel really kind of clarifies what Advent is:

Advent (from the Latin word advenio, meaning “to come”or “the coming of Christ our saviour”) is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ. Christians also believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus. An Advent wreath is made from greens to symbolize continuous life and contains four candles— three purple and one rose. The candle lighting is progressive from week to week, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. The first Sunday is Hope, then Peace, the third is the pink candle representing Joy, and the fourth is Love. The wreath also has a center white candle that is then lit on Christmas Day to represent the light of Christ.

Jason & I lit our first candle yesterday and did a devotion. I’m so excited to be able to now fully verbalize what Advent is and begin this tradition with my family. May God continue to teach us new ways to honor and worship Him!