The Secret of Advent

Advent is a tradition that comes from Christianity, observed during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Its name derives from the Latin word adventus, meaning "arrival" or "coming," and it centers on preparing for two key events: the celebration of the birth of Jesus and reflecting on themes of hope for the future.

While this practice has deep roots in Christian liturgy, understanding its rituals and symbolism can offer a glimpse into the broader human experience of waiting, renewal, and hope. By exploring this tradition, we can appreciate how it reflects a specific spiritual worldview while also addressing universal themes.

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas, the Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In Christian teachings, this period is both reflective and anticipatory. It focuses on looking back to the story of Jesus' birth and forward to a hopeful vision of peace and renewal.

The earliest records of Advent date back to the 4th and 5th centuries, primarily in what is now modern-day France and Spain. At that time, it was not associated with Christmas but was a season of penance and fasting in preparation for Epiphany (January 6). Epiphany, celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Magi and his baptism, was an important feast in the early Christian Church.

During this period, Advent was called the Quadragesima Sancti Martini (the Forty Days of St. Martin), beginning on November 11 (St. Martin’s Day) and continuing until Epiphany. This practice mirrored the Lent season and emphasized spiritual preparation through fasting and almsgiving.

Albert Edelfelt, Revelation Of Angels To Shepherds, 1899

By the 6th century, Advent began to shift its focus toward the Nativity of Christ. Pope Gregory I (590–604) played a significant role in shaping its theological emphasis, framing it as a time to prepare for both the commemoration of Christ’s birth and his eventual Second Coming.

By the Middle Ages, Advent was firmly established as part of the liturgical calendar across much of Western Christendom. The number of weeks in Advent varied between four and six depending on the region, but by the 9th century, Pope Gregory VII standardized the season to the four weeks we recognize today

Nowadays, the season begins on the fourth Sunday before December 25, marking a journey through themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week is an opportunity for Christians to prepare inwardly for the spiritual meaning of Christmas, often accompanied by specific rituals and traditions.

The Advent Wreath

One of the most recognizable aspects of Advent is the Advent wreath, a circular arrangement of evergreen branches with four candles. Each Sunday, one candle is lit, symbolizing a growing light that leads to Christmas.

• The Circle: Represents eternity and the unending nature of divine love.
• Evergreens: Symbolize life and renewal even in winter’s barrenness.
• The Candles: Each candle carries a theme - hope, peace, joy, and love - reminding Christians of spiritual growth and preparation.

This ritual is practiced in churches and homes, creating moments of reflection and connection.

A Season of Anticipation

Advent emphasizes waiting, not in a passive sense, but as a time for active preparation. In Christianity, this is tied to the story of Jesus, whose birth represents the arrival of light and hope in the world. For those engaging with Advent, it can also serve as a broader reflection on the cycles of life: the periods of quiet before renewal and the patience required to nurture growth and transformation.

Christians mark Advent with various practices that help focus on its spiritual themes:

• Lighting candles and reading reflective passages.
• Singing hymns and carols, such as "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."
• Engaging in acts of kindness and charity as an expression of love and generosity.

These customs are intended to cultivate a sense of anticipation and gratitude, preparing the heart and mind for the message of Christmas.

Caspar David Friedrich, Winter Landscape, 1811

Understanding Advent offers a window into the Christian worldview and its emphasis on hope, light, and renewal. While this tradition is specific to Christianity, its focus on the rhythms of waiting and the symbolic power of light can resonate with broader human experiences.

Exploring traditions like Advent allows us to appreciate the diversity of spiritual practices while recognizing the shared themes that connect us all. In this way, the story of a specific faith tradition can illuminate universal truths about patience, reflection, and the importance of preparation in life’s cycles.