Advent

The season is changing. Soon we will enter Astronomical winter on the winter solstice on 21 December.  At this writing, an outside temperature of 20 degrees suggests that it has already arrived.  There’s another season that begins this Sunday in the Christian calendar: Advent.

Advent is that time during the Church calendar when Christians turn their attention to the coming of the Christ Child—God Incarnate—on Christmas.  Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas (always falling between 27 November and 3 December) and concludes Christmas Eve on 24 December.  The season has a threefold emphasis, including the incarnation at Bethlehem, the perpetual sacramental presence in the Holy Eucharist at communion, and the second coming of Christ and His final judgment of the world. 

As the first season in the Church calendar, Advent ushers in the birth of Jesus and the impact that has for all of us.  Traditionally, many Christians celebrate Advent by lighting four candles in Church, one for each of the four Sundays and ending with all four lit by Christmas Eve.  On Christmas, a fifth candle is lit signifying the light of Christ has entered the world.  At home, families often will have an Advent wreath—we do—that they use to observe each week of Advent by lighting a candle at the dinner table.  It’s a great tradition for children to learn the significance of Advent. 

Each candle has a meaning and specific color also.  The Advent wreath usually has three violet or purple candles.  One pink candle lit on the Third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday” meaning “Rejoice” at the coming of the Christ Child. 

Indeed, each Sunday of Advent has a particular focus.  During the first Sunday in Advent, the readings relate to the Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ’s ancestors.  We call the first Advent candle “the candle of hope.”

During the second Sunday in Advent the scriptures selected concern the birth of Jesus in a manger and related prophecies, so that candle is called “the Bethlehem candle,” or “the way candle,” or “the prophets’ candle.”.

As noted above, the third Sunday in Advent is referred to as Gaudete Sunday when we recite the words from Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  The readings relate to John the Baptist, and the rose-colored candle is called “the joy candle,” or “the Mary candle,” or “the shepherds’ candle.”

Finally on the fourth Sunday in Advent, the readings relate to the annunciation of Christ’s birth, for which the Magnificat or “Song of Mary” is featured.  The candle may be known as “the angel’s candle.”  And of course, we recite “Mary’s Song.”

Mary’s Song

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.  His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-55)

While the traditions vary somewhat in different denominations, I think it’s good for all people of the Christian faith to take some time to consider the symbolism and scriptures of this Holy season.  It is indeed “holy” or “dedicated” to the coming of Christ into our lives.  These symbols represent Church teachings based on the scriptures—the authoritative word of God—to help us better understand the “reason for the season” as some like to say.

And the reason for me is this.  I need a savior.  And I am glad that God provided Himself in the form of an innocent baby on a cold silent night, who would live a life for one reason: to redeem us from our sins.  Yes, sin.  It exists.  And we cannot deal with it, as best we try, without a Savior who would pay the price for all of us.  That’s worth remembering this Advent.  Jesus was born to die, not in a cynical way, but in a salvation way.  So, I hope during this Advent season, you’ll take the opportunity to prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior into your life.  And in doing so, be warmed during this chilly season by the love of Jesus.