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What is Advent? How is it observed?
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Advent is a very special time in the liturgical year of the Church. This year the dates are:
November 29 - First Sunday of Advent • December 6 - Second Sunday of Advent • December 13 - Third Sunday of Advent • December 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent
As a woman, I always think of this as the final weeks of Mary’s pregnancy. Like many others I wonder, what did she know and when did she know it? I believe the angel told her of the future before she made her decision to carry the baby. I would also like to think that her labor was painless, but that would be going against the faith, and against the reason for the birth in the first place. Jesus was to experience everything that humans did and die a horrifying death and then return in triumph. Thus, we know that he does understand us; he does know what we go though.
The anticipation in Advent is the joy of the birth. The sweet, little baby boy looking up at his mother and foster father. Even those who are not Catholic can connect with the waiting and wondering as the day grows near. And, then, finally, Christmas morning, the baby is here. Welcome, baby Jesus.
The wreath and calendar are important aspects of this season. You can buy or wreath or put one together. One candle is lit every Sunday and the pink one if for Gaudette Sunday which is halfway though Avnet.
The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing. Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God.
The calendar is the twenty-four days of Christmas and comes in many guises.
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24 November 2009
at 2:46 p.m.
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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
so, what's up with the truck?
24 November 2009
at 5:35 p.m.
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Irish (Irish Swearingen) says…
You have to look close, but on the sides there is an Advent calendar, twelve days on one side, twelve on the other. There is quite a diversity of calendars. This is one of those that are meant for children to help them learn.
24 November 2009
at 8:54 p.m.
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puddleglum (Anonymous) says…
oh