Why We Do What We Do: Advent
Advent comes from the Latin word “Adventus” or “the coming.” An Adventus was a procession in Roman times to prepare for the arrival of the emperor. Presently, we keep Advent as a time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. Currently celebrated as four weeks, it has varied from as little as two weeks to forty days, like the Eastern or Celtic Church keep. There is a movement in The Episcopal Church to return to the extended Advent as a way to counter act the present commercial season. The color used in many churches is either purple or blue. Blue is used to distinguish the season from Lent. It comes the ancient Sarum or English tradition, and reminds us of the winter sky, or the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first half of Advent is dedicated to the coming of Jesus at the end of time. The last week of Advent we hear the stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. The O Antiphons, ancient chants, are used as a way to prepare for the coming of Christmas. These chants are now used in the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Advent wreaths were originally used in homes in Germany and then gradually made themselves into use in churches. There is no set number or color of candles as it changes from country to country. There might be 4 candles or 24 candles with the colors purple, pink, blue, red, or white.