Advent Points to Arrival of Christ Child

Advent--the beginning of the liturgical year--begins tomorrow. From the Latin for “coming,” it marks the season during which Christians wait expectantly for the entrance of the Christ child into history and into hearts.

But while many of the customs we celebrate during Advent may seem far removed from this simple act of waiting, a closer look reveals they are intimately related to his arrival on Earth.

During this four-week period many churches display an advent wreath, which consists of four candles around the ring and one in the center. The wreath’s round shape represents the unbroken love of God, the green branches the new life in Christ, and the candles the coming of light into the world. The candles stand for hope, peace, joy and love.

Another tradition names them the prophets, the angels, the shepherds and the Magi. Either way, successive candles are lit each week and on Christmas Eve the white candle in the center burns brightly, representing the coming of Jesus into the world.

Like other holidays, Christmas traditions embrace a variety of cultural beliefs with both Christian and ancient pagan elements. Today many children enjoy these four weeks of anticipation by the daily opening of “windows” on an Advent calendar. These windows usually reveal nativity pictures or small treats, and end on Christmas Eve with a large window of the traditional manger scene.

There is nothing like the sight and smell of fresh evergreens to signal the holiday season. In the distant past homes were decorated with evergreens to celebrate winter’s death and to combat evil spirits; today Christians employ them as a symbol of hope for the year to come and Christ’s victory over death. Likewise, the yule log was originally burned to battle the dark side. Since Christians call Christ “the Sun of Righteousness” (Malachi 4:2) they quickly adopted this custom to declare Christ the light of the world.

Other traditions are even more recent. The first decorated Christmas trees appeared in Strasbourg in 1605. Decorations consisted of lighted candles, paper flowers, gilded nuts and apples. Greeting cards are a recent addition, and were first exchanged in 19th century England. But where does Santa fit into the picture?

Yes, Virginia, there really was a Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas (Claus is the German name) lived in Turkey. According to the 4th century legend, he was a great miracle worker and provided a dowry for three poor girls who otherwise faced a life of prostitution. He is a model of charity, especially toward children. In the 11th century, the custom originated of giving candy to children on the eve of his feast day, Dec. 6. In many countries he makes his entrance to the city in a parade on that day. In America, he comes a little earlier because Santa’s sponsor uses the Thanksgiving Day Parade instead.

Advent is not just a season when we celebrate Jesus’ birthday, although we do that. It is a time when we celebrate the mystery of the coming of salvation into the world.

Advent is not just a time when we set up the manger scene and trim the tree in anticipation of gift exchange, although we do that. Advent should challenge us to prepare ourselves and our world for the full coming of God’s kingdom of peace on earth and justice to all men. As we exchange gifts with our loved ones, this reminds us to receive Jesus, the visible gift of God’s unfailing love.

Advent is not just a time when we look forward to his second return at the end of time, although we do that. It is preeminently a time of celebrating Emmanuel--”God with us”--in the here and now. Just as Jesus was present when the world was made, and present for eternity to come, he is also present with us now. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).

The story is told of a candy maker who wanted to come up with a unique gift for Jesus. He longed to express the significance of Christ’s coming through his trade of candy making. Voila, the candy cane! White for the purity of Jesus, three small stripes for the pain he suffered, a bold red stripe for the blood he shed. Even the shape has a special meaning: It is shaped like a shepherd’s staff because Jesus is the Good Shepherd. And if you turn it upside down, it is the shape of the letter “J,” for the first letter of Jesus’ name.

As you celebrate the season, pause for a moment to consider the preciousness of a newborn child you have known. All babies radiate innocence, hope and peace. The Christ child radiates it to all the world.

*

On Faith is a forum for Orange County clergy and others to offer their views on religious topics of general interest. Submissions, which will be published at the discretion of The Times and are subject to editing, should be delivered to Orange County religion page editor Jack Robinson.