AN introduction to the season of advent

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming”.

For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and also the opportunity to be alert for his Second Coming.

Advent is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. 

During the season of Advent we wait for the coming of Immanuel - God with us. Advent is not only a time of waiting, but also of longing. During Advent we see the brokenness of our world and long for the light of Christ to dwell with us. The lighting of the candles during Advent most often symbolizes the coming of the light of Christ to our world. 

Practices associated with Advent include keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, participating in an Advent daily devotional, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically, through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

THE COLOR OF ADVENT:

The Liturgical color for Advent is violet/purple. 

Purple has traditionally been associated with royalty.