Missio Monday: Advent - a time of calm
Advent is a period of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of Christmas in Christian traditions. It marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian denominations, such as Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Protestant traditions. Advent typically begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts for four weeks, ending on Christmas Eve.The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." During this time, Christians reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ, both His birth in Bethlehem (the focus of Christmas) and His second coming (as part of Christian eschatology).In our world of Christian education, Advent is an opportunity for us teachers to share the calm and quietude of the season before the joy and merriment of Christmas. It gives us and our students a chance to take the next few weeks of the busyness of Christmas concerts, class parties and gift exchanges and give it a good thought - a thought for other's needs and their desires for a better world that the coming of Christ brings.We pray that you do Advent right so that Christmas will be special! :)
The history of Advent and its celebrations
The celebration of Advent originated in the early centuries of the Christian Church, though it was not initially a fixed season like we know it today. The history of Advent can be traced back to the 4th or 5th century, and it has evolved over time. Here's a brief overview of its development:
Early Beginnings (4th-5th Century):
Origins in Gaul and Spain: The earliest mention of Advent-like practices can be found in Gaul (modern-day France) and Spain in the 4th century. However, in its early form, Advent was more like a preparation for the feast of Epiphany (celebrated on January 6), rather than for Christmas.Initial Duration: Early Advent observances were focused on a time of fasting and penance. The season was initially seen as a preparation for the Second Coming of Christ (the "advent" of Christ's return), rather than exclusively celebrating His first coming at Christmas. In some areas, the season lasted for 40 days, similar to Lent, to symbolize a time of spiritual preparation and repentance.
Development in the 6th Century:
Formalization by Pope Gregory the Great: By the 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great (590-604 AD) is often credited with formalizing the structure of Advent. During his papacy, the liturgical calendar began to reflect a more structured celebration, with Advent as a distinct period of time before Christmas, focusing on both preparation for Christ's birth and reflection on His second coming.
The Advent Wreath (16th Century):
Symbol of Advent: The tradition of the Advent wreath, which involves lighting candles over the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is thought to have originated in Germany in the 16th century. It was likely developed by Lutheran families as a way to mark the passage of the season in a more tangible, home-based way.
19th and 20th Centuries:
Wider Adoption and Formalization: By the 19th and 20th centuries, Advent became more widely recognized in Christian communities, and its observance became more consistent, especially in liturgical traditions like Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Protestant denominations. Advent calendars and the widespread use of Advent wreaths also became popular in the 19th century.
Key Features Today:
Today, Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (St. Andrew's Day). The focus is on spiritual preparation for Christmas, with traditions such as the Advent wreath, Advent calendars, and special church services growing in importance.Thus, Advent's development from a period of fasting and anticipation of Christ's second coming evolved into the season of joyful preparation for the celebration of Christ's first coming at Christmas.
CGS Schedule
Murita Chua, coordinator for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) of the RCAV, would like to let you know about this year's schedule:CGS Level 1-8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
1A - November 16-17, 2024
1B - February 15-17, 2025
1C - March 24-29, 2025
CGS Level 2-8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
2A - November 9-11, 2024
2B - March 17-22, 2025
2C - July 21-26, 2025
Please register for this wonderful opportunity to learn about the way to teach the faith the CGS way. Please contact Murita Chua at mchua@rcav.org or at 604-683-0281 ext. 210