Advent (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming") is a season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, in other words, the period immediately before Christmas.
Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. Christians believe that the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Christ.
Advent begins on November 30 this year. The Christmas season and especially the waiting nature of Advent has always been a special time for me. Even though I am now in my (ahem) mid-thirties, I love the wonder and magic of the anticipation. Not just for the presents (although I am quite the gift lover), but the feeling of something coming. The music in church during Advent is my favorite and I truly do see the change in strangers faces as get closer and closer to the celebration of Christmas, even those who do not celebrate it as Christ's birth.
I realized a few weeks back that this year I won't be experiencing much of Advent since I will be home with baby. (And I am of the old-fashioned ilk who won't want to take baby out for a while.) Baby will go to church for the first time on Christmas Eve.
But that sense of Advent, of anticipation, of coming, has been present for me in the form of this baby. The last few weeks of pregnancy are my own personal Advent where I wait "expectantly." So many questions, so many hopes and dreams. All on the verge of being realized. It makes me remember what Mary must have felt as she prepared for the blessing of her miracle child (whom mine can in no way compare, of course). And like Mary, I have "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." (Luke 2:19)
4 comments:
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I am doing a lot of my Christmas work now, to make sure I get it done this year.
I have been thinking about this too...advent takes on a whole new meaning this year, despite the fact that it will probably feel like more of a whirlwind than usual. :)
I was born in December. I like your take on it, imagining my mother so full of expectations about meeting me.
GREAT post. :)
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