Advent
The season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas Day (December 25th), and marks the beginning of the new Church year.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus, which means 'arrival' or 'coming'. During this season, Christians not only prepare to celebrate the coming (birth) of Jesus Christ, but remind themselves of the promise He made that he will come again, at the close of the age. Because Jesus' Second Coming will take place 'at an hour you do not expect' (Matthew 24:44), Christians must always be prepared and ready for His reappearance.
In the northern hemisphere Advent falls during some of the shortest days of the year. As the darkness increases we turn toward the light of Christ's coming. We decorate our sanctuary and homes, not only to remind our children (and ourselves!) of the significance of this event, but as a thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus the Christ.
During the Advent season we decorate our houses, yards, and church to celebrate Christ's coming. Most of those decorations are rich with symbolism; click on the links or below to find out more about:
- Advent Calendars
- Advent Wreath
- Angels
- Candles & Lights
- Candy Cane
- Christmas Balls
- Christmas Stockings
- Chrismon Trees used in Emmanuel's sancutary
- Nativity Scene (Creche)
- Trees
“Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.'”
Hymn #34, Lutheran Book of Worship