Christmas Advent

Advent is the preparation for celebrating Christmas and was a part of the Church calender, much like Lent is the preparation for the celebration of Easter. In my short summary of the history of Advent, it was noted about the different traditions: "the four weeks preceding Christmas were set aside to prepare with fasting and repentance. The Orthodox branch of the church has had a similar celebration which they call the "Nativity fast". The Orthodox observance is longer, approximately 40 days. A fast was a time of denial, repentance, and general solemnity. "

The word 'Advent' is from the Latin 'Adventus,' which means 'coming.' It celebrates the coming of Christ and begins the new liturgical (official Church observations) year. It may have begun as early as 590 AD to observe the Nativity of Christ (the birth of Jesus), and was originally a somber period of fasting, which explains the purple colors associated with it, and the remnant of traditions that include fish dinners, like the Feast of Seven Fishes. Fish was served during times when fasting from meat.



Liturgical colors:
"Purple can symbolize pain, suffering, and therefore mourning and penitence. " according to "The Meaning of Church Colors"

So, in its beginning form, Advent was more of a time to reflect on why Christ came, rather than on the happiness of the angels and the shepherds, or the gifts of the Magi. The joy of Christmas time preparations was to come much, much later. It was a time to consider the state of a world that had "no room at the Inn" and the low state of God's people under the hand of their conquerors.

The plainsong carol "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is probably the closest Christmas carol in feeling to this time.

Today, many colors are used for Advent wreaths, red or white being a common choice.

Now all of the activities leading to the Christmas celebrations are hallmarked by joy and joviality, but it was not originally observed in that way.

There are different customs and ways to mark this time, including the Advent Wreath, the Jesse Tree, and Advent Calenders. I hope to take a look at each in this lens.

The Wreath and Lutheran Symbolism

Known to originate in Eastern Germany among the Lutherans, and attributed to Martin Luther, the Advent Wreath is a common custom in many countries during the Christmas season -even when much of its symbolic meaning is unknown. Familiarize your family with the symbols of the Advent season and it will enrich your appreciation of these common decorations and activities.

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• The Wreath is round,as a symbol of God's eternity and mercy.


• The Wreath is made of evergreens to symbolize that God is everlasting and promises us immortality in Christ.


• The Greens represent hope and new life.


• Four candles of purple represent penance, sorrow, and longing expectation; the rose one represents hope and anticipated joy.


• Continuing the candlelighting through the full Christmas seasons, they are replaced with white candles which are used until Epiphany.

Symbolic Meaning of the Greens:
· The Advent Wreath is made of various evergreens ever-life,
life everlasting. The circle of the wreath (like a wedding ring) has no beginning and has no end; eternal life through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

· Cedar represents healing and strength.

· Holly reminds us of the Crown of Thorns that were place on the head of Jesus at his crucifixion.

· Red Holly berries represent sacrifice, sacrificial love; the blood of Christ which was shed for us on the cross.

· Pinecones and nuts represent symbolize life and resurrection through Jesus Christ.

· Laurel represents victory over persecution, suffering, and death.
-from Bible Basics

Candles for an Advent Wreath:


Advent Log:

Enough for every day of Advent: if using Advent log idea, or several years supply of candles for wreath