First Sunday of Advent
The First Sunday of Advent marks a vibrant beginning to the Advent season, falling on the fourth Sunday before Christmas each year.
This year, for instance, it is celebrated on December 1. It serves as the kickoff to a period of anticipation and reflection leading up to Christmas, symbolizing the spiritual journey of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the anticipation of His return.
This day holds a special significance as it represents various virtues that Christ brings to the world, such as hope, love, joy, and peace, each highlighted on subsequent Sundays of Advent.
Traditionally, the first candle, often purple, is lit on an Advent wreath to symbolize hope. Along with prayers and readings, this act focuses on spiritual readiness and reflection.
Christians observe this day as a remembrance of Jesus’ historical birth and a time of spiritual renewal and expectation. It’s a chance to ponder and anticipate the profound impact of Christ’s first coming.
His second coming imbues the season with a sense of promise and preparation. This dual focus encourages believers to live their daily lives with hope and vigilance, looking forward to fulfilling divine promises.
History of the First Sunday of Advent
The First Sunday of Advent has a rich history that intertwines with the evolution of the Christian liturgical calendar. Initially, the celebration and observances we associate with Advent today weren’t clearly defined in the early Christian church.
It wasn’t until the fourth century that practices resembling Advent began appearing, notably in Spain and Gaul, where the period leading up to Christmas began to take on a preparatory nature, similar to that of Lent before Easter.
The formalization of Advent, including setting the length to four Sundays, occurred much later. In the early centuries, different regions practiced varying lengths and types of preparation.
By the sixth century, the Church in Tours, under the influence of the Council of Tours in 567, initiated a pre-Christmas fast, which is seen as one of the precursors to the liturgical season of Advent we recognize today.
This practice was initially regional but gradually spread across France and later throughout the Christian world.
By the ninth century, significant developments in the observance of Advent included standardizing liturgical practices.
The Gelasian Sacramentary, one of the earliest liturgical books from around the 7th century, included specific prayers and readings for the Advent season.
Pope Gregory VII eventually formalized this period to four Sundays in the 11th century, a practice that remains in place today.
The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the church year and is a time of reflection and anticipation, not just for the celebration of the birth of Christ but also for his expected second coming. This dual focus on past and future events is central to the Advent liturgy and practice.
How to Celebrate the First Sunday of Advent
Light Up the Wreath
Start your Advent with a sparkle by lighting the first candle on your Advent wreath. This candle, often draped in purple, stands for hope and sets the tone for the weeks to come. As you light it, why not throw in a prayer or two for an extra splash of spiritual sparkle?
Tune into Tradition
Gather your crew for a cozy session of carol singing. Choose classics that mirror the Advent themes like “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” to get everyone into the spirit of the season. It’s a melodious way to remember the deeper meaning of these weeks.
Deck the Halls with DIY
Why buy when you can DIY? Crafting your own Advent decorations can be a blast. Whether it’s homemade Advent calendars or festive garlands, get your hands busy and your home ready. It’s a perfect plan for some family fun and getting those creative juices flowing.
Dive into Devotionals
Advent is a prime time for some soulful reflection. Pick up an Advent devotional guide or explore online resources for daily readings and reflections.
It’s a peaceful way to pause each day and ponder the profound themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.
Engage Everyone
Make each Advent Sunday special by inviting different members of your community or family to light the Advent candles. This inclusive approach keeps the excitement alive and makes everyone feel part of the celebration.
