Advent

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation observed by most Christian denominations.

It serves as a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus's birth at Christmas. It also focuses on the anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus. The name Advent comes from the Latin word for "coming" or "arrival." This term translates the Greek used in the New Testament. For Western Christianity, Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year.

This season allows believers to approach the "coming of Christ" from three distinct perspectives. These perspectives include the physical nativity in Bethlehem and the reception of Christ in the heart. The third perspective is the eschatological Second Coming, which refers to the end of history.

Many different practices are used to observe this season. People often use Advent calendars to count the days until Christmas. Some light the candles of an Advent wreath.

Other traditions include praying a daily devotional or lighting a Christingle. Some churches erect a Chrismon tree or perform a "hanging of the greens" ceremony. These activities help people prepare for the Christmas season. In Eastern Christianity, a similar period exists called the Nativity Fast. However, the Nativity Fast differs in its meaning and length. It also does not begin the liturgical church year like Advent does in the West.

Different Christian traditions follow different calendars for the start of Advent. In the Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Methodist traditions, Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This Sunday falls between November 27 and December 3. The Roman Rite of the Catholic Church also begins Advent on the fourth Sunday. However, it starts with the First Vespers of the First Sunday of Advent. In the Ambrosian and Mozarabic Rites of the Catholic Church, the timing is different. These rites begin Advent on the sixth Sunday before Christmas. This means their season starts between November 13 and November 19.

History shows that the exact origins of Advent are difficult to pin down. Scholars believe the period of preparation existed by about the year 480. One early tradition involved a period of fasting called "St. Martin's Lent." Saint Perpetuus, a bishop who died in 490, directed people to fast three times per week. This practice began on Saint Martin's Day, which is November 11.

The Council of Tours in 567 ordered monks to fast every day in December. This practice eventually spread to all of France after the Council of Macon in 581. By the ninth century, writings from the time of Charlemagne suggest fasting was still widely practiced. Later, the fast was often limited to the period starting from the feast of Saint Andrew.

Liturgical colors play a significant role in how Advent is observed. Since roughly the 13th century, violet has been the usual color in Western Christianity. Pope Innocent III once declared black as the proper color for Advent. However, many traditions prefer violet for vestments and the tabernacle. On the third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, rose is used instead. This color references the joy of the season.

Some Protestant denominations, such as the Lutheran Church of Sweden, use blue. This is sometimes called "Sarum blue" and is used to show hope. While the Roman Catholic Church keeps violet, some use white for specific occasions like the Rorate Mass.

Music is another important way that the season is expressed. Many churches hold special musical events like "Nine Lessons and Carols." Some churches also sing the works of Handel, such as his Messiah oratorio. The "Great Advent 'O' antiphons" are sung during the late weekdays of December. These antiphons form the basis for the hymn "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

Famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach wrote music specifically for Advent. In Leipzig, Bach could only perform cantata music on the first Sunday of Advent. This was because Advent was considered a silent time in that location. During this season, the Gloria is often omitted from the Mass. This makes the return of the angels' song at Christmas feel like a new event.

Advent connects deeply to the concepts of penitence and expectation. While the readings often focus on the Second Coming and judgment, traditions vary on their emphasis. Some traditions focus more on the need to repent, while others focus on the joy of anticipation. This balance is reflected in the changing colors and musical styles used throughout the weeks. Even the local customs, such as the Advent images in England or the torch-bearers in Normandy, show how the season has shaped different cultures. These diverse practices all point toward the same central theme of preparation.