Last Sunday it was finally time! The four Sundays before Christmas have arrived. A signal for many people to prepare themselves. I decorated a bowl with green branches and four candles. The candles are beautifully painted. This period before Christmas is called Advent.
Advent is a special period in the Christian tradition that marks the lead-up to Christmas. The word "advent" comes from the Latin "adventus," meaning "coming." This season begins four Sundays before Christmas and lasts through Christmas itself. Advent is a time of preparation, reflection, and anticipation as believers prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent garlands and candles are often used during Advent. The garland, usually made of evergreen branches, symbolizes eternal life, while the candles represent the coming of light into the world. Traditionally, four candles are lit, one for each Sunday of Advent, and on the last Sunday a fifth candle is often lit, the so-called "Christ Candle."
In addition to the symbolism of the garland and candles, Advent is also a time for personal reflection and prayer. Many people take the opportunity to reflect on the meaning of Christmas, their faith and what it means to live in anticipation of the coming of Christ.
In modern times, Advent is also increasingly becoming a time of coziness and togetherness, with traditions such as making Christmas decorations, baking treats and giving gifts. This can be a nice addition to the spiritual meaning of this period.
Advent is therefore a time of both spiritual preparation and festive celebration and offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of the Christmas season in our lives.
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