Advent, derived from the Latin word "adventus" meaning "coming" or "arrival," is a season of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also for the anticipation of His Second Coming. The origins of Advent can be traced back to the 4th and 5th centuries. Initially, it was a time of penance and preparation, similar to Lent, focusing on both the Nativity and the Second Coming of Christ.
Historical Development
- Early Beginnings: The first mention of Advent can be traced to the Council of Saragossa in 380 AD, which prescribed a period of preparation before Christmas. By the 6th century, the structure of Advent began to take a more formal shape in the Western Christian church, with the Councils of Tours (567 AD) and Mâcon (581 AD) establishing concrete guidelines for its observance.
- Medieval Period: The tradition of using candles to mark the weeks of Advent emerged in medieval Germany. By the 16th century, Christians began lighting a large candle each Sunday during Advent.
Modern Practices
- Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath, which gained popularity in the 19th century, consists of four candles encircling a wreath. Each candle represents a different week of Advent, with an additional white candle, the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve.
- Advent Calendar: Another popular innovation from the 19th century is the Advent calendar, used to count down the days until Christmas.
- Liturgical Colors: In Roman Catholicism, the traditional liturgical color for Advent is violet, symbolizing penance and preparation. Many Protestant denominations have adopted blue or purple.
- Themes: Modern Advent practices often focus on themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, with each Sunday dedicated to one of these themes.
Changes in the Modern Church
- Shift in Focus: Historically, Advent was a time of inward reflection and penance. However, in modern practice, there has been a shift towards joyful anticipation and celebration.
- Incorporation of New Traditions: Modern innovations include the use of Advent wreaths with themes around hope, peace, love, and joy, as well as the introduction of Advent calendars.
Advent has evolved significantly over the centuries, reflecting the dynamic nature of Christian worship and observance. From its early roots in penance and preparation to the diverse practices of today, Advent remains a meaningful season that captures the essence of anticipation, reflection, and celebration.
