A Look at Advent and Traditions
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -- Isaiah 9:6
A British tradition for my Advent season always included a Cadbury Advent calendar. The sight of those beautifully designed calendars, with their vibrant colors and festive illustrations, always brought a sense of excitement and anticipation. The rich aroma of the Cadbury chocolate wafted through the air as each door opened, tempting our senses, and making our mouths water in anticipation. Now, every year, I take pleasure in purchasing these calendars for my loved ones, knowing they will experience the same joy and delight I did as a child. But the focus on the commercial aspects of Advent calendars has overshadowed its religious significance.
What is Advent?
According to church history, Advent ushers in a season of anticipation and preparation for the Christmas holiday. The four Sundays of Advent in churches around the world begin with candle lighting, readings from Scripture, and the singing of hymns, and they mark a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Advent encourages families to count down the days until Christmas, filled with excitement and anticipation. For believers in Christ, Advent holds a deeper meaning as it calls us to prepare our hearts and to come together in prayer and reflection as we expect the celebration of Jesus’s birth.
On each of the four Sundays during Advent, the soft glow of a newly lit candle fills the room, inviting us to ponder the themes of hope, peace, love, and joy. The second coming of Christ, also known as the Second Advent, is still awaited. According to the Bible, which is the Word of God, we have the knowledge that it will occur. The promise of Jesus’ second coming is a core belief in the Christian faith. The exact time remains a mystery to us. It’s important for us to always be ready and keep our hearts prepared.
Questions for Reflection:
1. How can you best prepare your heart for this Advent season?
2. What are some activities that you can do with your family to make the Advent season even more special this year?
