Dec
5
2019
A Picture Of Advent
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word, adventus, meaning, “coming.”
It is a translation of the Greek word, parousia.
During the 4th and 5th centuries, Advent was a season of preparation.
By the 6th century, however, Roman Christians had tied Advent to the coming of Christ.
The “coming” they had in mind was not Christ’s first coming in the manger in Bethlehem.
They thought of His second coming in the clouds as the judge of the world.
In the Middle Ages, Advent was explicitly linked to Christ’s first coming at Christmas.
Today, the season of Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas.
Advent is a time of waiting.
Advent is a time of preparation.
Advent is when we get our homes ready for Christmas.
Advent is also when we get our hearts ready for Christmas.
I see it on our farm table in the kitchen.
It is our advent wreath.
I have had this Advent wreath for years.
It is well worn and stained with candle wax from years of use.
Around the wooden wreath are carvings that tell the Story of Redemption.
It begins with the Tree in the garden of Eden.
It continues all around to a Lily, symbolizing resurrection and new life.
The Story is told in simple carvings.
Four candles are placed in the holders around the wreath.
Three purple candles and one pink candle.
Each night at dinner time, a candle is lit.
I was so faithful to do this when my children were small.
They took turns to snuff out the candle with the brass snuffer.
We had to actually pick names, since everyone wanted to have the pink candle.
The four oldest ones each had a week to extinguish their particular candle.
They would hand the brass snuffer to the next person so the candles could be snuffed out.
I thought about the pink candle.
It is known as the Shepherd’s Candle.
It is pink because pink is the liturgical color of joy.
It is to remind us of the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus.
I see the advent wreath each day.
I sat at the end of the table and took a picture.
I really don’t know what I was trying to capture.
It was after I saw the picture, I knew.
The picture depicted waiting.
The long farm table is empty.
The eight chairs are pushed in and do not have anyone sitting in them.
The table is waiting to be filled.
I thought of the life this farm table has seen.
I thought of the hundreds of meals that have been served here.
I thought of the women who sit around the table for Bible study.
I thought of the many conversations that were had at this table over a cup of tea.
The picture perfectly depicts Advent for me.
The wreath is there.
The chairs are there.
The table is there.
And we wait.
One day, we will be sitting at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.
The table will be filled with those who are in Christ and who longed for His appearing.
The table will be filled with food, served to us by our Savior Servant, the Lord Jesus.
But now we wait.
He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20)
One day, the table will be filled.
One day, Advent will be no more.
One day, the waiting will be over.
One day.
I’ve never seen an advent wreath like yours. It’s interesting. I believe you have written about the cloth advent calendar on your door. Would you consider re-posting that ? It’s so simple and lovely.