Exploring Essential Historical Points About Advent
The commencement of Advent, which this year falls on December 3rd, signifies the onset of the Christian New Year, a tradition unfamiliar to some within the Christian community. This period, always commencing four Sundays before Christmas and culminating on Christmas Eve, holds significant importance. However, it’s noteworthy that not all Christian denominations emphasize or adhere to this season, particularly among Evangelicals who don’t follow a liturgical form of worship.
Understanding Advent involves grasping three crucial aspects of this month-long journey leading to Christmas Day. Firstly, it serves as a time for Christians to reflect on the initial arrival of Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, while also anticipating his second coming in Jerusalem. The term “Adventus,” originating from Latin, translates to “coming,” echoing the Greek term “parousia” found in the New Testament, often referring to the awaited return of Christ.
The origins of the first Advent observance in Church history remain somewhat ambiguous. However, in 380 AD, The Synod of Saragossa recommended that the week preceding Christmas be devoted to church gatherings, fostering spiritual preparation for the festive day. Subsequent historical milestones, such as Saint Gregory of Tours’ counsel in 490 AD for monks to observe fasting throughout December, contributed to shaping Advent. Pope Gregory the Great and Pope Gregory VII, through councils in 563 AD and 581 AD respectively, further established Advent as a significant liturgical celebration in the Christian calendar, as highlighted by the Seedbed of Asbury Seminary.
The symbolic Advent wreath, adorned with four candles corresponding to each week before Christmas, has roots in ancient northern European Yule customs but was adapted into Christian practice in 16th century Germany. The modern tradition of candle lighting is credited to Johann Hinrich Wichern, a German theologian-pastor, during the mid-1800s.
This wreath typically includes three purple candles and one rose-colored candle. The purple ones symbolize prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifices undertaken during this period, while the rose-colored candle, illuminated on the third Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday, signifies a moment of rejoicing. Gaudete Sunday represents the halfway point of Advent, symbolizing proximity to the Christmas celebration. As scholars debate the central themes within the Old Testament, John Oswalt, a distinguished professor of Old Testament studies at Asbury Seminary, notes a common thread: a narrative of God’s enduring commitment to His people despite their shortcomings.
Oswalt underscores how the Old Testament repeatedly portrays the cycle of Israel’s transgressions, subsequent punishments, and eventual deliverance. Ultimately, this biblical collection points toward the anticipated arrival of Jesus Christ, a unifying theme throughout its diverse genres and contents.