A Season of Reflection: An Advent Bible Study Introduction
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For hundreds of years, Christians have referred to the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day as the Advent season. As believers, we can use this season, in all of its hecticness, as a pause for reflection as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.”
Since Advent traditionally moves each year, many calendars simply start on December 1 and end on December 24 or 25. These Advent calendars often have little doors or drawers that reveal a small treat, such as a Bible verse related to Christ’s birth, a tiny toy, or a piece of candy. Our Advent calendar has a Nativity theme, with small cloth wisemen, shepherds, camels, sheep, angels, and baby Jesus for Christmas Day.
In recent years, Advent calendars have become big business, with more creative offerings to mark the season until December 25. For example, makeup, jam, skin care, hot sauce, candles, tea bags, hair products, cheese, jewelry, coffee, and beef jerky have made appearances on Advent calendars. Some are even tailored to pets, such as cat or dog treat Advent calendars.
Advent wreaths are another favorite way to mark the season. During the 16th century, German Catholics and Lutherans began gathering branches or garlands with four or five candles arranged within the wreath. In the Advent season, one candle is lit each Sunday.
Today, many families make their own Advent wreaths. The traditional colors for the wreath are three purple or dark blue candles, and one rose or pink within a wreath. Often, a single, larger white candle will be placed in the wreath’s center to be lit on Christmas Day.
Whether you have an Advent calendar or wreath—or simply choose to celebrate the season of Christmas in another way—this study will help you develop a deeper understanding of the Promise of Hope, the Preparation for Peace, the Action of Joy, and the Coming of Love as it relates to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As author Matthew Kelly put it, “God of hope, I look to you with an open heart and yearning spirit. During this Advent season, I will keep alert and awake, listening for your word and keeping to your precepts. My hope is in you.”
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