“Advent is the season in the church year when we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ, both His birth at Christmas and his second coming at the end of time,” says The Rev. Brian Turner, vicar of Church of the Blessed Redeemer, Palm Bay.
The word “Advent,” from Latin, means “the coming.” For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. During the Middle Ages, Advent became associated with preparation for the second coming of Christ, and many Christians still view it as a season to prepare for the second coming.
The lectionary readings during Advent often speak about judgment and provide visions of what the end of time will be like when the fullness of God’s kingdom is consummated. Turner says, “So we are invited to prepare during Advent by listening to and reflecting on these readings and what they say about God’s kingdom breaking into our lives.”
The readings also help prepare us to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth and incarnation at Christmas, when the world was changed 2,000 years ago. “They help prepare us for what the end of time will be like when we will be judged regarding how well we’ve embodied Christ’s incarnation through our own faith lives,” he adds.
Christians celebrate Advent during the darkest part of the year. This darkness symbolizes the Israelites’ dark world as they waited for the promised Messiah and reminds us that the church is in figurative darkness awaiting the second coming of Jesus. All this makes light an important symbol during the season. Turner explains, “As we await the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world, so we light candles in preparation for this coming, and to brighten and enkindle our own hearts during this season.”
The Advent wreath is a significant symbol and tradition of Advent. The circle of four candles represents each of the four Sundays of Advent plus a fifth one in the middle for Christmas Day. “The tradition is to light a new candle each week as we continue to wait and prepare for Christ’s coming at Christmas,” Turner says.
Each Sunday of Advent celebrates a different theme: hope, peace, joy and love. “In reflecting on a new sentiment each week during Advent, we not only brighten our lives but our spirits as well,” Turner says. “And we are reminded to reflect and hold close to us the values that are close to God.”
Advent 2020 begins Sunday, Nov. 29. Celebrations may be online, and we will follow social distancing rules, but it will come. Turner says, “During this difficult year, as the pandemic and many other challenges have changed the lives we’ve been used to, I pray that our Advent preparations may help reorient us to the eternal God who is never-changing. May we be reminded that Christ’s Advent is an opportunity to both grow closer to him and to follow more closely in his way of love. May Christ’s judgment be one that reminds us where our priorities and wills should lie and bring us more deeply into his kingdom. May the candles we light remind us that even in dark times, Christ’s light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. And may the holy themes we lift up during this season remind us that our lives are only complete with the hope, joy, peace and love that Christ provides us.”
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