What is the significance of Advent in the Christian liturgical calendar?

Advent is a profoundly significant period in the Christian liturgical calendar, marking the commencement of the church year in Western Christianity. Its observance begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, the Sunday nearest to St. Andrew's Day (November 30), and it spans four Sundays leading up to Christmas. The term "Advent" is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival," and it encapsulates the dual themes of remembrance and anticipation that define this season.

The Historical Roots of Advent

The tradition of Advent dates back to the fourth century. Initially, it was a time when converts to Christianity prepared for baptism during the Epiphany. By the sixth century, however, Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ. But unlike the modern emphasis on the birth of Christ, the focus at that time was on the anticipation of Christ’s second coming — an event Christians believe will bring final and total redemption.

The Liturgical Significance of Advent

In the liturgical year, Advent serves as a period of spiritual reflection, penitence, and renewal. The faithful are invited to contemplate the threefold coming of Christ: in the flesh in Bethlehem, in our hearts daily, and at the end in glory. This season is not just a countdown to Christmas but a richer, more reflective preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, and an alert watchfulness for his second coming.

The Symbols of Advent

The Advent Wreath

One of the most recognizable symbols of Advent is the Advent wreath. Comprising a circle of evergreen branches into which four candles are inserted, this wreath is rich in symbolism. The evergreens signify continuous life, and the circle represents the eternity of God. Traditionally, three of the candles are purple, symbolizing penance and longing, and one is pink, symbolizing joy and hope.

Each candle also corresponds to one of the four Sundays of Advent, with a specific theme for each week: hope, peace, joy, and love. These themes reflect the virtues Jesus brings us. The light of the candles themselves symbolically dispels the darkness of sin and the shadows of night, with each additional candle that is lit signifying the closer arrival of Christ, the Light of the World.

The Jesse Tree

Another significant symbol during Advent is the Jesse Tree, which is decorated with ornaments that represent the various biblical ancestors of Jesus. Each ornament symbolizes a prophecy foretelling Christ's coming, starting from creation and moving through to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. This decoration visually reinforces the deep roots of Christianity and connects the faith’s Old Testament foundations with the advent of Jesus Christ.

The Scriptural Foundations of Advent

Throughout Advent, Scripture readings focus on the key figures of the Nativity story — Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah — and on the themes of waiting and preparation. Central to these readings are the prophetic texts from Isaiah, which foretell the coming of Christ, and the Gospels that narrate the events leading up to Jesus' birth.

For example, Isaiah 7:14 prophesies a virgin birth, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This prophecy is echoed in the New Testament in Matthew 1:23, linking Old Testament expectations with their New Testament fulfillment.

The Contemporary Observance of Advent

Today, Advent is observed by many Christian denominations, and its observance varies widely. In more traditional settings, Advent is a somber time of preparation and repentance, akin to Lent. Services might include the singing of hymns like "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," which encapsulate the longing for deliverance that is central to the season.

In other contexts, Advent has taken on a more celebratory tone, focusing more on the joy and hope of Christ's birth rather than the penitential aspects. This shift reflects broader changes in how different communities anticipate Christmas, emphasizing immediate preparation for the Nativity.

The Personal and Communal Implications of Advent

Advent calls not only for a communal celebration but also for personal reflection. It is a season that asks believers to pause and reflect on their spiritual lives, to consider the areas where the light of Christ is needed to dispel the darkness of sin. It is a time to renew one's faith, to focus on the virtue of hope, and to rekindle a love for God and neighbor.

In conclusion, Advent holds a pivotal place in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is a time of waiting and hoping, of reflecting and preparing. It invites Christians to remember the past coming of Jesus in humility, to celebrate his daily coming in the Word and Sacrament, and to anticipate his future coming in glory. It is a season that enriches the spiritual lives of believers, drawing them closer to the mysteries of Christ's first and second coming.