In many Western Christian churches, including most Catholic and Lutheran parishes, today marks the start of Advent. Growing up, we didn’t really “celebrate” Advent but I’ve grown to embrace it and today I read some inspiring pieces, one of which said Advent is kind of the pregnant phase of Christmas. Both expectation and anticipation come into play but just like a new life, we must wait. And hope. We can’t rush it. The development of any life, whether a tree, puppy, hatching egg, or even a spiritual rebirth, takes time. We must be patient. It’s good to remember that waiting in anticipation is not passive nor is soul-searching. In fact, calm and serenity require as much stamina as physical activity.
The Advent Wreath…more on that in a bit…is just one of many symbols we see everywhere right now. We also see trees, lights, manger scenes, and so much more. They are all symbols of Christmas but they also surprisingly can be related to modern day needs and issues. Think about it. Advent and Christmas uphold many precious realities that are currenlty either in peril or highly divisive. Birth and the unborn, children, families, and even the earth. In celebrating Advent and Christmas, let’s keep all of these in mind.
It’s often said Mary’s was the first ever unplanned pregnancy and despite sooooo many obstacles, she said yes. She kept her precious baby and what would our world be if she hadn’t? Joseph stood by her despite his confusion and natural shock and turned into a loyal, loving, and supportive husband. The family they created is one we should model our families on and remind us of the dignity and importance of life, children, and families in our society.
In a world where “climate change” and “save the earth” are chanted and marched ad nauseum sometimes, we need to ignore the crazies and instead acknowledge that some of our environment is indeed threatened so why not use Christmas trees and wreaths as not only reminders of the Reason for the Season, but of the beauty and sacredness of nature as well.
Last but certain not least is the beloved manger scene: a simple stable complete with animals, a mom, a dad, and a baby like no other. What always reigns me in is the fact that the King of kings chose not to be born in a castle or palace, but in what was in essence a barn. This, along with the poor shepherds surrounding Him, can serve as reminders of the poor among us. Maybe instead of buying all those Christmas presents, you choose to spend that money helping the less fortunate.
The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming.” During Advent, Christians patiently await the coming of their Savior, Jesus Christ. Christians around the world have different ways of celebrating Advent. Some light candles, some sing, some eat candy, some give gifts, and some hang wreaths. As I mentioned above, one of the most popular Advent symbols is the Advent wreath.
Origins of the Advent Wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Crhistian Germanic people who gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in the cold and dark winter months in Eastern Europe.
Christians later kept the popular tradition alive and by th 16th century Catholics and Prostestant throughout Germany used th symbol to celebrate Advent. From Germany, the use of the Advent wreath spread across the Crhistian world. Legend has it that the four candles and the four weeks represent 1,000 years and together total the 4,000 years between Adam and Eve and Jesus’ birth. Three candles on the wreath are purple and one is pink. They signify Christ being the light of the world and the contrast between darkness and light.
Today, wreaths are made up of various evergreens shaped in a circle that represents continuous life, as well as four candles that symbolize the four weeks of Advent. On the first Sunday of Advent, a purple “Prophet’s Candle” is lit as we focus on Hope and Jesus’ coming. The second Sunday of Advent’s purple candle is followed by the third Sunday’s pink “Shepherd’s Candle” reminding us of Joy and the birth of Jesus. On the last Sunday of Advent, the “Angel’s Candle” of Peace is lit. Some Advent wreaths also add a fifth white “Christ Candle” is the middle, which is lit on Christmas.
There’s no biblical mandate to observe Advent but observers find it very fulfilling and inspiring. It generally begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, ends on Christmas Eve, and ranges in length from 22 to 29 days.
Later this week Catholics will celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. Considered the “first Santa,” good ole St. Nick wore a red coat like Santa, had a beard, and loved to share and give. He’s also mentioned in the classic “The Night Before Christmas.” Who knew?!
A very rich and generous man, St. Nicholas heard about a family that didn’t have enough money to buy food so he snuck onto their roof and threw some gold coins down their chimney. The coins landed in their stockings, which were hanging over the fire to dry. This, my friends, is why we hang stockings on fireplaces and put treats in them!
Let’s remember the kindness of St. Nicholas as we celebrate his feast day and try to emulate his example of quiet, generous giving and how important our children are.
Finally, why do we give presents? Well, think of the 3 Kings. They brought gifts to the infant King and by giving to others, we model their generous act. Our daughter Kristen only gets three presents at Christmas, which has been our family tradition all her life. If three gifts were good enough for Jesus, they are certainly good enough for the rest of us!
All of these things explain some age-old traditions and also demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas. It breaks my heart to see the real reason for the season become increasingly “offensive” and secular as well as purely commercial but my hope is that by sitting back and understanding exactly why we have days off in December and why stores love this time of the year, we will realize that there is so much more to it all than just time off, shopping, and Santa. I have hope.
Beyond Words 