Understanding Advent Brings Hope and Appreciation
written by: Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“But you, O Bethlehem, Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. ”
The term “Advent” does not appear in the Bible but is a theological concept of preparation for the coming Messiah. According to tradition, the season of Advent was introduced in 480 CE as St. Martin’s Day, which started on November 11th. St. Martin’s Day was treated like the “Lent of St. Martin.” Approximately one hundred years later, the Western Church began to develop a liturgical Advent through fasting. It wasn’t until 1362, through the guidance of Pope Urban V, that Advent was embraced not as a period of fasting but as a five-week preparatory time leading to Christmas.
The Advent wreath wasn’t included in worship until the 16th century through the German Lutheran Church. Yet, its present form, with each candle representing a week of Advent, didn’t become normative until 1839 through a Protestant pastor in Germany who served an urban mission among the poor. Rev. Johann Hinrich Wichern refocused the Advent Wreath as a visual tool to refocus rambunctious children’s attention in worship. Other churches followed suit.
The wreath had a wood ring with knotted branches from a fir tree. The ring of branches symbolized the Messiah’s victory crown. Pinecones, holly, laurel, and, at times, mistletoe were used to decorate the branches. The candles’ light represents the approaching light of the star used to guide the Wise Ones and all of us to the manger. While the Bible doesn’t use the word Advent for this purpose, the theology of the Advent season is Biblical. The theological themes of preparation, longing, waiting, and hope are all found in the Hebrew Scriptures and later in the New Testament.
Today, make a point to focus on and appreciate the season of Advent. Do not jump ahead to Christmas too quickly. In our contemporary culture, obsessed with instant gratification, we are ill-equipped to wait patiently. Patience is a gift. Life isn’t a string of one fantastic moment after another. If it were, we wouldn’t be able to differentiate or appreciate the difference between transformative moments, which means we wouldn’t be capable of recognizing God in the profound moments. Prayerfully focus on enjoying the preparation for Christmas. Don’t wish Advent time away. Remain aware of your emotions when you are getting anxious or frustrated. Slow yourself down and appreciate the wait. When you honor the Advent process, the celebration of Christmas will be even more intense. Enjoy the Advent season and all that comes with it.
