Occasionally, I get the question from church members: why Advent and where did it come from? The season of Advent, which has its meaning “Coming or visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. The first Sunday of Advent begins the yearly church calendar for Christians. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of the Jews for a Messiah and our longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward to anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised in His first coming.
We are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day. Yet in both Christian tradition and on the church calendar, the Christmas season lasts from sundown on December 24th, Christmas Eve, through Epiphany of the Lord, which is on January the 6th. This is sometimes referred to as “The twelve days of Christmas.” Advent Season begins with the 4th Sunday before Christmas Day making Christmas time more than just one day.
The history of Advent can first be traced back to the early fourth century church. It was a time that began the preparation for an individual who was to be baptized on Easter (which was the traditional day of Baptism in the early Christian Church.) With the beginning of Lent, just a few weeks following Advent, additional preparation was done by those who wanted to be baptized. It was more than just practicing piety, fasting and penitence. Advent was the time when those new Christians would learn about images, stories, memories, promises, songs, and hopes that are always present in scripture to us. Advent is a time when the church can speak to us about hope, justice, peace, and love. It is a time when the many stories surrounding Jesus’ birth are shared as a preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birth on Christmas Day.
Today we have an ecumenical practice with the Revised Common Lectionary that denotes the first Sunday of Advent shared
by Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians, Methodists, Presbyterians, and other protestant denominations, along with the Roman Catholic Church, that follow a year-round church calendar where Advent prepares us in a pre-Christmas Christmas.
For the early Christian Church, Advent had a twin focus, celebrating the coming of our Lord not just at birth but also in the early church. It was thought that Christ would come back at any time, and it was a preparation also for his second coming. Advent today includes the lighting of Advent Candles and scripture readings on the four Sundays and Christmas Eve.
There are many ways that we as Christians can celebrate Advent, which is a season of anticipation and hope, as we prepare for God’s arrival as an infant child born in a Manger. During the Advent season, I would encourage you to maybe use an Advent Calendar and devotions as you set aside time for prayer and meditation. Maybe you can commit to learn about new things such as issues of justice and righteousness. Mark moments of spiritual growth as we remember and study about a Manger and a child born in a little town during a very chaotic time. It is also a time when many practice generosity in their community or around the world. Make an Advent wreath for your home and place it closely where you do your scripture reading, devotionals, and Bible study. Our spiritual practices should include visiting friends and neighbors, nursing homes, hospitals, shelters and even prisons. Volunteer your time for a needed cause. It is a time to focus on a forgiving heart. It is also a time when we can attend additional worship services offered by many of the churches in our community such as Blue Christmas, Advent studies, and it can be additional times to receive communion.
For Advent, I would encourage us to use the time to remind ourselves to slow down, prepare ourselves for celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to remember that God promises to always be with us. May the Holy Spirit bring growth and meaning to you as you celebrate Advent and Christmas with family, friends, community, and your church.
Season’s Blessings, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays,
Pastor Gary
Claybanks United Methodist Church 