One thing I learnt in church earlier today was that the Advent season has just begun and that it goes on right up to Christmas Eve. About Advent, I found (courtesy of AI):

“What is Advent?

Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, symbolizing a time of preparation and anticipation for Jesus Christ’s birth and second coming. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival”.

Who Celebrates Advent?

Christians worldwide observe Advent, including Roman Catholics, Protestants, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Orthodox Christians, although practices may vary across denominations.

How is Advent Celebrated?

Advent is a period of spiritual reflection, prayer, and preparation. Common practices include:

– Lighting Advent Candles: Four candles, often purple or blue, representing hope, peace, joy, and love, are lit on each Sunday leading up to Christmas.

– Advent Wreaths: Evergreen wreaths symbolize eternal life and God’s love.

– Daily Devotions: Scripture readings, prayers, and reflections focus on Jesus’ birth and return.

– Acts of Kindness: Volunteering, donating, and spreading joy to those in need.

– Advent Calendars: Countdowns to Christmas, often with treats or activities.

The four Sundays of Advent emphasize:

1. Hope: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 – The promise of Messiah’s arrival

2. Peace: Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus brings peace and comfort

3. Joy: Isaiah 61:1-3 – Good news for the poor and brokenhearted

4. Love: John 3:16 – God’s love for humanity through Jesus”

The preacher’s message was based on Romans 1:16-17 and its main focus was on the righteousness of God (click here for the sermon), which he linked to this Advent season. He included in his talk yet another Advent revelation by pointing out that while churches today which celebrate Advent tended to focus on the message of hope, peace, joy, love and were looking forward to Christ’s First Coming (i.e. that which we celebrate on Christmas day), in the early days of the church, the focus was more on things like death, judgment, heaven, hell and when the main focus was on one preparing for Christ’s Second Coming (a date in the future that won’t be known until the time), but which made recognising the birth of the Christ on the day that followed the end of Advent all the more sweeter.

I long ago got to realise that the ecclesiological spectrum included those at one end who had every day of the year covered by a special day or season, such as Advent (or that which preceded Easter – Lent, which is also a time for sober reflection), and at the other end are those sincere believers who did not recognise any of these days but rather preferred to treat all days the same, perhaps making an exception for Christmas and Easter. I confess, I have veered more toward “the other end”, yet have come to respect and even admire those that celebrated special days as part of their devotions of God. Latterly, I have become more aware of and can respect those “messianic” leaning believers who ditch the Christian festivals to be replaced by the Jewish ones which are detailed in the Hebrew Bible.

1. Passover (Leviticus 23:5): Commemorates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery.

2. Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8): Celebrates Israel’s hasty departure from Egypt.

3. Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9-14): Offers first harvest to God.

4. Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-22): Celebrates wheat harvest and giving of the Law.

5. Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25): Marks the new year and God’s sovereignty.

6. Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32): Day of repentance and forgiveness.

7. Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-43): Celebrates harvest and God’s provision.

Sadly, I have seen too many Christians fall out unnecessarily over which special days one ought to celebrate, while appreciating that those who hold different views often have good reasons to do so. Whilst as a result of hearing today’s message I don’t think my non-plan for celebrating Advent will change, I have been given cause for thought, especially concerning the righteousness of God, which really is the true reason behind the (Advent / Christmas) season. It seems appropriate therefore to end this Advent reflection with a glorious (and still my favourite) Advent / Christmas hymn: