Each year, people around the world, both Christians and non-religious individuals, eagerly anticipate Christmas—a holiday dedicated to family, gift-giving, and more. For Christians, this holiday holds a special significance as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. In preparation for Christmas, there is a season known as Advent, during which Christians observe various traditions and practices that lead up to the celebration of Jesus’s birth.
What is Advent?
Advent, which means “arrival,” is a four-week season in the Church calendar. The advent calendar lasts from November 27th to December 24th, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and culminating on Christmas Day. Advent serves as a symbol of the Church’s anticipation of the second coming of the Messiah while also celebrating the historic arrival of Jesus Christ. Within the framework of its traditions and practices, this four-week season commemorates the journey leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
Who celebrates Advent?
Advent is celebrated by people from various Christian traditions and denominations, including Anglicans, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and non-denominational Christians. Christians view Advent as a time of joyful preparation for the coming of Jesus, honoring the journey that led to his birth.
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How is Advent celebrated?
The observance of Advent involves two primary intentions. The first two weeks are dedicated to looking forward to Christ’s second coming, while the last two Sundays reflect on Christ’s initial arrival. Purple is prominently used as a liturgical color within these services, adorning the vestments of the clergy, the altar, and the tabernacle. Advent traditions extend beyond Mass services into homes and family gatherings. These traditions include the following:
Advent calendar
An Advent calendar is a calendar featuring movable and removable pieces used to count down the 24 days leading up to Christmas. Windows, pockets, dials, or other components are adjusted daily on Advent calendars to mark the progress toward Christmas day.
Advent wreath and candles
The Advent wreath and candles constitute a long-standing tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. The wreath is circular and crafted from evergreens, symbolizing the eternity of God and the everlasting life found in Jesus Christ. Positioned evenly around the wreath are four candles, with three being purple and one pink. The first purple candle represents the expectations of the Messiah as prophesied by the prophets. The second candle signifies faith and serves as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third candle, pink in color, symbolizes the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus. The fourth and final purple candle represents peace, as Christians eagerly await the Messiah’s birth. On Christmas Eve, a white candle is placed in the center of the wreath, symbolizing the long-awaited birth and purity of Jesus.
Jesse tree
The Jesse tree offers another means of preparing for Christmas by exploring Bible passages and stories related to Jesus’s family and birth. Its name is derived from Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Jesse was the father of King David, and Jesus is the heir of King David. Trees are adorned with ornaments that narrate the story of God in the Old Testament and Jesus’s lineage.
Advent is a cherished season that unites Christians worldwide in anticipation of Christmas, blending ancient traditions with the joyous expectation of Christ’s birth and his promised return. Through meaningful practices like Advent calendars, wreaths, and the Jesse tree, individuals and families come together to honor this sacred journey with hope and celebration.
Send money to your friends and family members to commemorate the journey of Christ. To send money, visit our website or use the Western Union app. You can also visit an agent location to send money in person.
