Why do we celebrate Advent?
Advent is a Christian holiday season that prepares believers for Christmas. It starts four weeks before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. During Advent, the focus is on waiting and preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In this article we will look at the meaning, traditions and history of Advent.
The meaning of Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus”, which means “coming” or “arrival”. In the Christian tradition, Advent refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ into the world. During Advent, believers wait and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, which is the central event of Christianity.
Advent traditions
There are many traditions associated with Advent, which vary from culture to country. Here are some of the most common traditions:
- Advent candles: Many Christians light Advent candles every Sunday before Christmas. There are usually four candles, and they symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.
- Advent calendar: Advent calendar is a popular way to count the days until Christmas Eve. The calendar has 24 hatches, behind each of which a small surprise or message is revealed.
- Advent devotionals: Many churches organize special Advent devotionals and church services that focus on the themes of Advent and preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
History of Advent
The celebration of Advent goes back to the early Christian era. The first mentions of Advent can be found in the fourth century, when it was celebrated especially in the regions of Gaul and Spain. Advent was originally a time of fasting and repentance, but later it developed into a time of joy and anticipation.
The celebration of Advent has survived for centuries and is still an important part of the Christian tradition. It offers an opportunity to calm down and prepare spiritually before the Christmas celebration.
Sources
You can read more about Advent from the following sources:
