Written by Vivian Crawford
“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” Well, almost. I know that especially in COVID times, we could all use a little bit of a break. As for my family, we put our tree up the day after Halloween. But we can't forget what happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Advent is a period of time before Christmas in which Christians prepare for the holiday and reflect on what it is really about.
Like Linus said, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, The angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for behold. I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. That's what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
When you hear the word “advent”, you might think of one of those thin cardboard boxes that are sold everywhere, with the little flaps that you get to open up once a day for a new surprise. While these are still a fun way to countdown to Christmas, they have become more commercialized and no longer hold the true spirit of advent.
Advent began in the fourth century with converted Christians preparing for baptism. During the Middle Ages, it became a time to prepare for the second coming of the Lord, as a time of lent. In modern times, advent has become both a way to prepare for Christmas day, while also remembering and preparing for the second coming.
The advent wreath is typically a wreath with four candles around it, and one in the middle; “both the evergreen and the circular shape symbolized ongoing life” (Hartman). There are three purple candles, one pink, and one white one for the middle. The first candle (purple) is called the Prophecy candle. Since the prophecy of the Messiah brings hope, this candle represents hope; it is lit on the first Sunday of advent. On the second Sunday, both the first and second candles are lit. The second candle (purple) is called the Bethlehem candle, and it represents Peace.
On the third week, the first three candles are lit. The third candle (pink) is called the Sheperds’s candle, and it represents Joy. On the fourth Sunday, the last before Christmas, four candles are lit. The fourth candle (purple) is called the Angels candle and represents Love. On Christmas day, all five candles are lit: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, as well as the white one in the center that represents Christ.
This year, as you are celebrating Christmas and enjoying your Christmas break (that I know we all need), remember what it's all about. If your family doesn't have an advent wreath, I recommend getting one because they are a great reminder of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus brings.
Works Cited
Hartman, Holly. “Advent: Dates, Traditions, and History.” Infoplease, February 11, 2017
s-and-history#, Accessed November 11, 2020.
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