Christians live Advent with religious traditions and practices that prepare them to celebrate, at the end of December, the birth of Jesus.
Advent is a religious concept typical of Christianity that identifies the period that marks the beginning of each liturgical year . This cycle, which lasts four weeks, is used by the Catholic faithful to carry out different actions linked to faith that allow them to arrive spiritually prepared, and in peace , for the holiday known as Christmas .
According to historians, the beginning of the liturgy of this celebration dates back to the end of the 4th century , becoming accentuated throughout the 5th century (a time when Saint Martin's Lent began in November). It is believed that Advent was established in the Catholic Church at the initiative of Pope Siricius . It is appropriate to indicate that, since ancient times, some bishoprics have prohibited certain sacraments (as is the case with baptism , to indicate a specific reference).
Advent symbols and practices
Among the symbols and practices that characterize the four weeks of Advent appears, for example, the Advent wreath on which two pairs of candles of specific colors are generally placed (although, on occasion, it is chosen to place five advent candles Tradition indicates that, complementing the action with prayer and reading a passage from the Bible , one is lit per week. The Christ candle , considered the fifth of these candles that appear in the Advent circle, is lit exclusively when celebrating the birth of Jesus .
The Saturdays (days dedicated to the Virgin Mary ) that pass throughout this liturgical time , meanwhile, are usually dedicated to the development of special masses called Rorate . These religious services, which begin before dawn with the temple only illuminated by candles and the candelabras that are lit on the altar, start with Advent songs .
Starting in the 19th century, a picturesque countdown spread from Germany to the rest of the world that allowed children to calculate, from the beginning of December, the days remaining until the arrival of Christmas Eve and the visit of Santa Claus . For this purpose, an Advent calendar was used, which soon became popular: since then, there are those who choose to give them as gifts along with sweets or chocolates to make the wait sweet.
As Advent goes by, Christmas decorations and preparations multiply.
No less notable is the tone of the ornamentation and clothing, which shows off a purple, violet or purple color range (liturgical color) as a sign of waiting. To express joy at this time, during Advent Sunday number three it is chosen to light a pink candle (liturgical color) .
Biblical characters of this liturgical time
There are several biblical characters who become relevant in the liturgical season known as Advent , a period where different passages from the Old Testament are read.
The prophet Isaiah is the most outstanding because he transmits hope for the salvation of humanity and spreads faith in the faithfulness of the Lord. Saint John the Baptist also has notoriety as a result of his messages and his actions, since he used to pray and fast , for example.
The transcendence of the Virgin Mary cannot be overlooked either, who is kept present in different masses , in prayers of the rosary and in the liturgy of the hours . Along with her (who lived her own Advent, a wait, since the annunciation made by the Angel Gabriel ) Joseph of Nazareth and Elizabeth are also named.
Although the manger is usually set up every December 8, the baby Jesus is placed on December 25 to symbolize his arrival.
Advent and Christmas
The concepts of Advent and Christmas are inseparable since the first notion marks the preparation on the way to the Nativity of Jesus , an event that occurred in the city of Bethlehem and which is evoked every December 25 , precisely, with Christmas celebrations and Christmas carols .
The custom leads millions of people, throughout December, to divide their time between religious practices and more materialistic habits that have little connection with faith and the need to remain silent, serve those most in need and achieve spiritual peace.
While shops, streets and homes become more attractive at the end of the year thanks to the Christmas decorations and adults often send Christmas greetings , the little ones get excited about assembling and placing decorations on the Christmas tree. (whose tip is usually crowned with the figure of a bright star to represent the Star of Bethlehem ). Around them, according to tradition, Santa Claus will leave gifts. Since he sometimes fails to arrive at each home on time, he needs the solidarity , generosity , love and effort of his helpers so that no one is missing a gift. in that special time. Also the manger (where there must be space for shepherds , sheep and, of course, for the Holy Family ) takes on importance in this instance that within the Christian community is lived with emotion, commitment and devotion.