Having been raised in a traditional church, I thought I was familiar with Advent. I thought it was all about Christ’s first coming as a baby in Bethlehem. During the Advent Season I would read the Christmas story and think about Jesus’ first coming in its historical context.
Imagine my surprise,when a few years ago, I learned that is not all that Advent is about. I learned that the first two Sundays of Advent anticipate Christ’s Second Coming. That got me to thinking about the Season…what is the real history of Advent?
I would like to quote from an article entitled “What Is Advent?” by Justin Holcomb on Christianity.com.:
“The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
By the 6th century, however, Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But the “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem, but his second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world. It was not until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas.”
In summary, the early Church understood that we need to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. New believers would prepare for baptism and celebrate Christ’s coming into their hearts. By the 6th century, Christians would use the season to prepare their hearts for Christ’s Second Coming. From medieval times forward, Christians would prepare their hearts during Advent anticipating His Second Coming while also remembering his first coming as a babe in Bethlehem.
For me, the bottom line is, “Am I preparing my heart for Christ’s coming?” As the Advent season begins this Sunday, am I thinking about the possibility that Christ could return at any moment? Am I prepared to meet Him or am I distracted by the busyness of the season? Those are the real questions I need to ask myself. I hope you will take some time during this season of Advent to ask yourself those questions also.
Have a Blessed Advent!
That is cool history! I love learning about the Greek root words. It is awesome to think about His second coming! Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, amen! Merry Christmas and God bless!
LikeLiked by 5 people
God Bless You Too…and thank you for commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post Valerie. I am blogging similarly (without the historical perspective you have provided) for this weekend’s first Sunday of Advent. To quote the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.” (CCC 524)
LikeLiked by 3 people
I will be sure to read your post. We can always learn from the denominational churches that do celebrate it! Looking forward to reading it! Thanks for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! And yes! We also think of Advent as “the waiting”. The readings in the universal church (Catholic) are from Revelation! Prepare the way of the Lord!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So glad you already knew about it!! I’m just sharing what I learned! Blessings to you Meg! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I learned something from your article too. We can never stop growing in our faith! Thanks for all you do Valerie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Blessings to you too! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLike
Very informative article about Advent dear Valerie! When the Lord will return for the second coming is unknown but it is good to be ready! Matthew 25, The Parable of the Ten Virgins, illustrates the importance of being ready for the coming of the Bridegroom, our Lord Jesus Christ!
Maranatha!
❤️carmen
LikeLike
You give us a lot to think about! We tend to get wrapped up in the commercialization of Christmas and need to stop and remember what Christmas is really about! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right! Yes, we do! So glad you enjoyed the post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
HIS LIGHT GROWS AND THE DARKNESS CANNOT OVERCOME HIM!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the reblog!! Best Wishes!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I need to ask those questions of myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hindu here Val with a strong leaning to Christianity, thanks to my late Aunt. I learn so much from you Val. 💐
LikeLiked by 1 person
God loves us all so much!!! So glad for that!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, yes. I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person