To the Editor:
While the commercial world celebrates Christmas from October through December and highlights shopping and gift-giving, there can be – if we want – another dimension to our holiday preparations, a religious side: Advent.
Advent is a time of spiritual preparation that leads up to Christmas Day. It is a tradition observed by many Christians. Advent encompasses the four Sundays and weekdays heading up to Dec. 25. This year, Advent starts on Sunday, Dec. 3.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent, many Christians, as part of their holiday planning, spiritually prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ coming, His birthday, on Christmas Day.
There are many different Advent customs that can help us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Here are a few.
- Setting up a Nativity set in one’s home.
- Singing or listening to Advent hymns and carols. For example: “Sleepers, Wake;” “On Jordan’s Bank, the Baptist’s Cry;” “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”; “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel;” “People, Look East” and so on.
- Lighting candles on an Advent wreath in one’s home. A simple Advent wreath can be made of three purple candles and one pink candle. Some evergreens, too, if available. The candles represent the four weeks of the Advent season. One purple candle is lit during the first week of Advent. Another purple candle during the second week. The pink candle, lit during the third week, marks Advent’s midpoint. Finally, the last purple candle is lit during the fourth week. As we progressively light the candles during the Advent season, we make our own private vigil while awaiting the coming of “the Light of the world” (John 8:12).
- Following a religious Advent calendar. It contains small flaps. One flap is opened on each day of Advent. Each flap typically reveals a picture related to the Advent season. Some Advent calendars are creatively designed to help children learn about the true meaning of Christmas. You can shop for Advent calendars locally and online.
- Daily reading of Bible verses related to Jesus’ coming. Your church may provide a list of suggested Scripture readings for the Advent season. You can also find several lists of recommended Scripture passages for Advent online.
- Slowing down a bit from the hectic holiday pace. Taking some quiet time for reading, prayer and reflection during Advent.
- If applicable, reconnecting with your church.
- Sharing your time, talents and treasure with those who need them, those who are less fortunate.
There are other Advent customs too. And a lot more can be said about Advent, as well. However, all in all, Advent is a time to help us keep spiritually focused on the true meaning of Christmas, to remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” and to “keep Christ in Christmas.”
Merry Christmas, everyone. Happy New Year, too. God’s peace and blessings to you, your loved ones and our entire world this Christmas season and in 2024!
ANTHONY NAVARRA
North Cape May
