Gò0dNews for Everyone
Advent 2021
T
by Chad Hess
he season of Advent officially began on November
greater urgency than ever before. This article is not going to
28th of 2021, and is the beginning of the new
be an update on how bad the world is or how these might be
liturgical year for Western Christianity. Many
the last days. It is not an attempt to frighten you regarding
Christians in the United States celebrate the period, and its
the many things we see which are going on in the world that
popularity has grown in recent years. Advent begins on the
we never thought we would see. It is a reminder that Jesus is
fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and ends on Christmas
coming back. No one knows the day or hour, but we are all
Eve. Most people practice two Advent traditions without
called to anticipate His return and to prepare ourselves to be
realizing that they are actually Advent traditions— Christmas trees and the hanging of decorations on the tree. Many people use the ever more popular Advent calendar which has now become very secularized. Current popular calendars include: Disney characters, Lego, and even a Harry Potter Advent calendar. But what is Advent really? And how should we celebrate the period? The name Advent was derived from the Latin “adventus” which means “coming or arrival.” The season of Advent actually celebrates three different comings or arrivals: 1) the physical nativity or arrival in Bethlehem, 2) the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and 3) the return of Christ in His second coming. The nativity of Christ, without question,
ready when it happens. Advent is the perfect time to observe
is a seminal event in history and is rightly celebrated. The
the traditions of reading, prayer, fasting and penance.
reception of Christ in the heart of the believer is the single
Read the nativity stories in the Gospels, but also read
most important choice that every man and woman face
the “return” writings in Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation.
while here on Earth. I desire this year to focus on Advent
Read them all with reverence and joy because all of them
from the third coming or arrival—the return of Christ in His
are “good news.” Pray without ceasing, thanking God for
second coming.
sending His Son and for a certain knowledge and peace
We all should spend time in preparation for the Return
about the times we are currently living. Fast from food to
of Christ. This time is wisely spent preparing ourselves to
create a heightened awareness during your times of reading
be found ready for His coming. We do not want to be found
and prayer. Engage in forms of penance which are simply
lacking as the virgins were when the groom came for his
acts of devotion to God to express sorrow for your sin.
wedding. We are told in scripture on numerous occasions
Take advantage of the season of Advent to draw closer
to always be ready for the return of our King. Additional
to the Trinity, celebrate the birth of our Savior, and prepare
Advent traditions that are practiced by many, but not
yourself for His glorious return.
reading, prayer, fasting, and penance. At this time in our country and in the world, these traditions have taken on a
36 // December 2021
About The Author
most people, that will help you to be ready are: devotional Chad Hess is a husband, father and Army Veteran. He is a parishioner at Saint Andrews Anglican Church in Rome, where he is involved in lay ministries.
