I think it is so interesting Christianity comes in many flavors and variations. There are many likenesses and differences. A good example is Advent. Some Christian traditions observe Advent, some do not. Among those that do, not every denomination has the same traditions. I can’t possibly cover everything there is to know about Advent in one brief chapel service, but perhaps we can discover some fun facts and glean some inspiration for the season along the way.
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Defined, it can mean the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event, or the first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. Or the coming or second coming of Christ. It was historically a time of deep contemplation and even fasting.
Christians currently mark this time in any number of ways. There are observances at home with calendars for children with little compartments that are opened daily containing chocolates or a little prize in them. The Advent wreath can also be lit at home or in church. The Advent wreath first appeared in Germany in 1839. A Lutheran minister working at a mission for children created a wreath out of the wheel of a cart. He placed twenty small red candles and four large white candles inside the ring. The red candles were lit on weekdays and the four white candles were lit on Sundays. Nowadays, an Advent wreath is typically lit weekly on Sundays. The wreath usually contains four or five candles, each representing any number of themes for the season. (This can vary according to denomination.) Examples include faith, hope, preparation, peace, joy, and love.
I like to think of Advent as a time of anticipation. Oddly enough, it’s an anticipation of an event that’s already occurred, the birth of Christ. So, there’s a paradox in there. I love a good paradox to stretch one’s consciousness. We long for this relationship with the Divine, counting down the days till Christmas. Yet in many Christian traditions through prayer and practice we are already in relationship with a Higher Power. All at the same time! How can that be? I could spend hours basking in the mystery and wonder of that.
Why shouldn’t I? What’s stopping me from basking in the meaning of the season?
Oh, yea – there’s a lot to Christmas these days.
We must set some crazy thing up before we sleep so our child can see what antics the Elf On The Shelf was up to overnight.
We must shop till we drop. Or in the case of online shopping, till our eyes get weary from staring at a screen or our credit card gets maxed out, whatever comes first. Hey, whatever it takes to get that perfect gift for our families, friends, and coworkers, right?
We must make the house look like a hallmark card so all who enter have a sublime Christmas experience. Oh wait, we must do the same with the outside of the place so all who drive by have a similar experience.
The cooking, the cleaning, the parties. It all adds up and can make one frantic.
In preparation for Christmas, do we really have to do ALL the things?
Good question!
I’ve decided something this Christmas season. I will not sacrifice my peace on the altar of perfection. I’d like to honor the older ways of Advent. In contemplation of Love’s arrival in the world and my role in that Love’s expression. (A calendar date or even a specific holiday is not required to do so!)
Perhaps the frenzy is your “thing” – truly, there’s no “wrong way” to observe Advent. The array of observances being evidence of that. If rushing around is how you express love, and is meaningful for you? If you aren’t running yourself (or the people around you) ragged - carry on!
If this season brings us to sadness, as it does for many……a month-long calendar with a chocolate in it each day might be the loving self – care thing to do.
If love is involved, how could there be a “wrong way” to observe Advent?
I thank you for reading, be blessed this day.
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