Celebrate the Season of Advent

If you have visited the F.C Ziegler Company in December, or browsed our online selection, you have probably come upon our great selection of Advent items, from beautiful wreaths to candles in dark purples, pinks, and  blues. We love to celebrate the season of Advent, and we love to encourage others to celebrate it as well. So, in  that spirit, we have decided to answer some of the questions you might have about this special season.

Starting with…What is Advent?

The origin of the word “advent” is in the Latin word “adventus” which translates to “visiting” or “coming,” That helps to explain the purpose of  Advent: to reflect on the original visitation of Christ, as well as the second coming that is yet to happen.

When does the Advent season take place?

The Advent season begins the day after we celebrate the end of the Church’s calendar year, which is marked by the feast of Christ the King! The season is punctuated by the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. It’s meant to be a time of preparation for the birth of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the celebration of the Christmas season.

What is the purpose of Advent?

The Advent season is important to the Church because, not only does it mark the beginning of the new liturgical year, but it is a reminder that we are pilgrims passing through this life and always on watch for the coming of Christ the King. This season was translated from our Judean brethren who waited and longed for the Messiah to come, and so is a reminder of our own need and longing for a Savior as well as a time to reflect on our own joy over our Savior’s future second coming. Basically, it’s a way to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s first coming by remembering its importance, as well as feeling joy over His second coming.

Why the different colors?

During the weeks leading up to Christmas we’re accustomed to the abundance of the traditional reds, greens, and whites everywhere, but the Advent colors are purple or blue, and pink. The purple or blue is meant to signify concepts such as royalty, repentance, and the solemnity of the season, while the pink is meant to represent the joy of season. Traditionally, the first, second and fourth Sundays during Advent are the purple or blue days while the third Sunday is reserved for the pink day. Some people choose to keep the Advent colors separated from the Christmas colors, while others choose to mix them with Christmas colors.

Why the Wreath?

While the history and origin of the Advent wreath remain uncertain, the tradition of Christians using Advent wreaths in preparation for Christmas can be traced back to the middle ages.

The wreath itself symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of soul and the everlasting life found in Christ with its circular shape. The evergreens all represent continuous life. There are four candles placed within the wreath, three purple or blue, and one pink. One candle is lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas, with each candle representing a different aspect of the spiritual preparation for Christmas. In some traditions, a white candle is placed in the center to represent Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve, the last day of the Advent season.

How Can You Observe the Advent Season in your own home?

There are a variety of ways you can observe the Advent season personally, or with your family and friends as well. We’ll share a few different ways.

• Listen to music for the Advent season 

  

• Display Advent wreaths in your home 

  

• Use an Advent calendar.  Quite a few are great for families to use together, especially those geared toward children!
  

  

• Read devotionals written for the Advent season - on your own, with a partner, or with your whole family. 

We invite you to browse our selection of Advent products and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to keep up with our Advent inspired posts and contests.