On the Season of Advent.
Advent was something that I'd never heard of until I joined the Episcopal Church. As a Baptist, there had always been a great emphasis on Christmas, but Advent was something that wasn't really familiar. The beginning of the liturgical church year, Advent is a semi-penitential time in which we remember Christ's coming when he was born in Bethlehem, and look forward to his future Second Coming.
Advent lasts for the four Sundays before Christmas. In most churches and many homes, Advent wreaths are used to mark the days and symbolize different themes for each week. The wreath is composed of four or five candles, three purple, one rose and one optional white. The three colored candles form a circle and the white sits in the center. The weeks for advent go as follows:
Week one: purple candle- Hope
Week two: purple candle- Love
Week three: rose candle- Joy
Week four: purple candle- Peace
Christmas day: white candle- Christ
Each week we focus on a particular Christian virtue, and meditate upon it, thereby preparing ourselves spiritually for the coming Holy day. Advent was once a penitential season, leading up to the High Holy day of Christmas (similar as Lent is to Easter). This has become less common in recent times, when the season has taken on a bittersweet mixture of joy and penance. But whether it is observed with joy or solemnity, the air of expectancy is always present.
Since I first learned about Advent, it has become one of my favorite times of the Liturgical year. With all the anticipation and joy of a coming Child and the triumphant returning of the King, it is a promising time of renewal and refocus of our Christian walk. I pray that you all may find refreshment in your daily lives as the time of Christ's Advent draws nearer. Amen.
Riley
Advent lasts for the four Sundays before Christmas. In most churches and many homes, Advent wreaths are used to mark the days and symbolize different themes for each week. The wreath is composed of four or five candles, three purple, one rose and one optional white. The three colored candles form a circle and the white sits in the center. The weeks for advent go as follows:
Week one: purple candle- Hope
Week two: purple candle- Love
Week three: rose candle- Joy
Week four: purple candle- Peace
Christmas day: white candle- Christ
Each week we focus on a particular Christian virtue, and meditate upon it, thereby preparing ourselves spiritually for the coming Holy day. Advent was once a penitential season, leading up to the High Holy day of Christmas (similar as Lent is to Easter). This has become less common in recent times, when the season has taken on a bittersweet mixture of joy and penance. But whether it is observed with joy or solemnity, the air of expectancy is always present.
Since I first learned about Advent, it has become one of my favorite times of the Liturgical year. With all the anticipation and joy of a coming Child and the triumphant returning of the King, it is a promising time of renewal and refocus of our Christian walk. I pray that you all may find refreshment in your daily lives as the time of Christ's Advent draws nearer. Amen.
Riley
posted by Vincent Christian | 7:23 PM
2 Comments:
Glad you are getting into the spirit of Advent! I have an article on my blog "On the Proper Keeping of Advent". How about go there and post a comment to "kick things off"?
Pax,
Mason
My dear, I would be delighted. Advent really is my favoite time of year. Oh, and I've also recommended one of my commentors to you. Perhaps he'll offer you a write up as well. Happy Advent, brother.
Pax,
Riley
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