“Advent” means coming or arrival. This word has a double significance, as in Advent, we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and look with longing for his coming again. The season of Advent begins with an emphasis on final things (eschatology). We watch and pray with expectant hope for the establishment of God’s justice and the return of the Prince of Peace. As the weeks of Advent progress, the focus shifts to thanks and praise for the birth of the one who has already come—Jesus Christ our Savior.

The origin of the season of Advent is uncertain. It may have been patterned after the season of Lent as a period of penitence before Christmas, or as a time of preparation for baptism at Epiphany. The duration of Advent was, in some times and places, as long as six or seven weeks.

The above quote comes from the section on “The Christian Year” in the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church, USA (2018).

The theme for Advent is light coming into the world. Many churches observe the tradition of lighting Advent wreaths to begin worship during this season. There are Advent hymns, different from Christmas carols, that are sung during this season. “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” and “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” are two examples.

During Advent, we prepare for the light that comes into the world at Christ’s birth. It is a disciplined time of preparation. In our world today, it takes great discipline to withstand the pressure of consumerism that has taken over Christmas.

I like Christmas music. But I do not like it non-stop on the radio beginning the first of November. I’m not sure how to describe my feelings about the deluge of Christmas advertising that seems to begin after Labor Day. Am I irritated? Yes. Am I disappointed? Yes. My emotions have not risen to the level of anger. I don’t want to be “Ebenezer Scrooge.” I want others to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. But the true meaning of Christmas is not about the smiling faces of children sitting around a Christmas tree in a sea of rumpled wrapping paper.

I know this is a battle I will not win. It is probably not even a battle to fight. But I don’t want the Magi in the manger with baby Jesus. Jesus might have been two years old by the time the Magi arrived in Bethlehem. That’s why Herod ordered all the children in and around Bethlehem from infant to two years old executed (Mtt.2.16). But, I digress.

During Advent we combine the discipline of preparation with the joy of hope in anticipation for the Nativity. We decorate places of worship with holly wreaths, Advent wreaths with candles, and Chrismon trees. Chrismon trees are different from Christmas trees, distinguished by the different decorations. Chrismon trees are decorated with all Christian symbols.

I pray that each of you can find moments of quiet during this season to remember the advent, or arrival, that has made the difference in our lives.

Peace.

Cary