The Council of Saragossa encouraged people to attend church daily between December 17-29.Īdvent eventually developed into a month-long season in December. The first recorded mention of Advent occurred at a meeting of church leaders in Spain in the 300’s A.D. Believers across the world spend the weeks before Christmas preparing for that day of beauty and light. What Is Advent?Īdvent means “arrival” or “coming.” It is a season of expectation and hope. The season of Advent-often celebrated during the 24 days leading up to Christmas-intrigued me.
Ideally, our tradition would hone our focus and help us remember not only the fact that Jesus came but also the reason that His arrival mattered. I wanted it to last most of December and dig deeply into the meaning behind the holiday. When I had my own children, I searched for a Christmas tradition we could enjoy each year as a family. I still loved Christmas, but I wondered if something was missing. This slightly depressing cycle repeated each year: mounting anticipation followed by an abrupt collapse and strange emptiness. I remember a strong sense of excitement that grew until Christmas Day …and then the magic and hope deflated as soon as the gifts were unwrapped. We usually participated in a Christmas musical at church.Īt home we had lights on our house, a Christmas tree in our living room, and (best of all) presents under the tree. My family and I did celebrate Christmas, and I knew it centered on Jesus’ birth. In fact, I don’t think I was aware of its existence until college.
0 kommentar(er)
