WHAT U NEED KNOW ABOUT THE SEASON OF ADVENT Background: Advent is d season dat begins d Churchs liturgical year.It is uncertain as to when exactly the celebration of Advent was first introduced in the Christian church. Some sources say that Advent began on November 11 (St Martins Day) at some time in the fifth century in the form of a six-week fast leading to Christmas. Advent was reduced to its current length at some stage in the sixth century and the fasting was later no longer observed. It was customary, although no longer practiced, for poor women to carry “Advent images”, which were two dolls dressed to represent Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the northern parts of England. Those who saw the dolls were expected to give a donation in form of money and bad luck was believed to occur to those who were not visited by the doll-bearers before Christmas Eve. Advent is originally a time to reflect and prepare for Christmas similarly to how Lent is in preparation for Easter. Advent has sometimes been referred to as the Winter Lent. In recent times the restrictions that Advent brings to Christians have become more relaxed. The period of advent is divided into two. First from d first Sunday of advent to 16th Dec. Marked by devout prayers and joyful expectations. And d second part is from 17 to 24th characterised by deeper and intense preparation for d coming of d Lord Jesus Christ: 1) At Christmas 2) The parousia; final coming 3) His daily coming into our hearts Scripture Readings dis period show clearly dis truth. The Church calls on us all to make ready ourselves always since d son of Man comes when no one expects. It may be on d very day of Xmas who knows? Just be prepared! Shikena! Symbols and Colour: Purple is historically the main color used for Advent because it reflects penitence, fasting, and the color of royalty to welcome the Advent of the king (Jesus Christ). The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his first Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his second Advent. Some churches use other colors in recent times. For example, some churches mark the third Sunday of Advent with pink or rose, colors that represent joy. Many Protestant churches use blue to distinguish the Season of Advent from Lent. Advent wreaths are symbolic of Advent in some countries. They are usually made of fir and decorated with gold and silver ribbons or scarlet woolen threads. Lit wreaths may be displayed on the table where family and friends sit while singing carols and preparing handmade gifts. Playing of Musical Instruments at advent is with high moderation and d Gloria in exchesis is omitted. This omission fills us with eager longing to it better at Christmas. Let us pray dat d beginning of ds New liturgical year (B) ushers us all into a glorious celebration of Christmas 2ru d same Christ our Lord.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 02:02:33 +0000