After the Solemnity of Christ the Universal King, comes the Advent season, next is Christmas. In English Language, Advent means ‘the fact of an event happening,” “an invention being made,” or “a person arriving.” What is Advent in the Christian world? What happens during Advent? What four things do the season symbolise? BETTY AMUKPO interrogates. The responses
Advent means “coming”; Christians prepare for Jesus coming’
Advent means “coming.”lt is during the Advent season that Christians prepare for Jesus’ coming. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ that represents virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolises hope, love,joy and peace. It is during Advent that Christians are reminded of the Sacred meaning of Christmas. It reminds us to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ and for the second coming of Christ. It is also the time we share gifts to people, attend Carol service as part of Advent.
• Ezennajiego David Chisom
Advent symbolises hope, love, joy and peace; the four candles are lit in that order
Advent means “coming” and during the season, Christians prepare for Jesus’ coming. T he four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognised for four virtues. The colour candles on the Advent symbolise hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning from f irst Sunday of Advent. T he colour goes thus deep or royal blue, rose pink, white and gold.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Advent is also the beginning of the new Liturgical Year in the Catholic Church’
Advent means preparation for the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a four week-preparatory period before Christmas celebration. Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical year in Catholic Church. Advent candles and wreath symbolise peace, love, joy and happiness.
• Favour Okoroafor.
‘The Advent wreath reminds us of Christ’s suffering and that we are His followers’
There are four candles which are lit; three purple and one rose, all encircled in a wreath.The wreath reminds us of Christ’s suffering and that we are His followers. The lighting of the first candle symbolises expectation, the second, hope; the third, joy and the fourth, purity. Advent means coming, So what happens during Advent, is that we are prepared for the celebration of the coming of Christ as a child at Christmas, the acceptance of Christ daily into our lives and for His Second Coming.
• Bryan Okonofua
The third week represents Joy
Advent is a season of the liturgical year observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the second Coming The four meaning of advent can be represented in the four weeks and four candles of advent. T he first week: Is the candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in the dark and Who is this light. ‘ The Coming of our Lord Jesus. Second week: It represents and talks about faith. It is called the Bethlehem Candle. As a reminder of the journey Mary and Joseph made to Bethlehem. The third, represents Joy. The birth of Christ brought joy to the world. The fourth, last and purple candle represents Peace. Its called the Angel Candle. Christ has brought peace into the world. During advent, there are always lots of preparations for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Both spiritual and otherwise. Joy unspeakable in all spheres of our lives,through Christ our Lord. Amen
• Victoria Okefe
‘The Prophets’ Candle, symbolises hope’
The four meanings of Advent are:
1. The Prophets’ Candle, symbolising hope.
2. The Bethlehem Candle, symbolising faith.
3. The Shepherds’ Candle, symbolising joy.
4. The Angel’s Candle, symbolising peace. Advent is the period leading up to Christmas. When we may also attend carol services as part of Advent. One important aspect of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church is to prepare for the second coming of Christ in judgement at the end of time.
• Eyinade Gideon
