Advent is already upon us. This is the beginning of the Church year, a season to share the longing for the promised Messiah, a season to look forward to his second coming.
It starts on the Sunday nearest to St Andrew’s Day, always leaving 4 Sundays before Christmas. The Sunday before Advent was often known as “Stir up” Sunday, because the collect in the Book of Common Prayer for that Sunday started with the words “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people;” It was often jocularly associated with stirring up the mincemeat ready for Christmas.
The marking of Advent dates back to the 5th Century, maybe even earlier, when it was a period of fasting, usually for 3 days a week. Fast periods were usually a season of penitence, coming before a special celebration such as Easter or Christmas.
Have you started your Advent Calendar? This is a modern invention – well modern compared to the 5th Century, being introduced in Germany in the 19th Century. The days of Advent were marked off, sometimes using a chalk-mark on the door, and a candle was lit each day. In the early 1900s printed calendars became available, with a little door covering a picture or Bible verse for each day. Chocolate was a very recent addition!
In churches an Advent Wreath is prominently displayed., with four or five candles. One candle is lit each Sunday in Advent. On the first Sunday – Hope Sunday – the first candle is lit, and the readings are taken from the Old Testament, from the Isaiah or Jeremiah, telling of God’s promises to redeem his people after their suffering.
The second Sunday is called Bethlehem Sunday, and again the readings are drawn from the Old testament, prophesies from Isaiah or Malachi of the Saviour who will be the fulfilment of God’s promises.
The third Sunday is Rose or Gaudete Sunday, and the candle on the wreath is red or pink instead of white. Gaudete means “Rejoice!”, and this Sunday marks a pause in the fast – a celebration. The readings now concentrate on John the Baptist announcing the start of Christ’s ministry.
On the fourth Sunday, Annunciation or Angel Sunday, we read about the angel appearing to Mary, announcing the miraculous conception and birth of Chris the Saviour.
The last candle, in the centre of the wreath, is usually lit at the Christmas Eve service, and is called the Christ candle – the light of the world. The reading, of course, marks what Advent is all about. The birth of Christ, God on earth. Hope.
I wish you all a very merry Christmas, full of joy and hope.
Jon
