The earliest dating of Advent is impossible to determine. The start of Easter in Christian history is far more obviously tied to Passover (albeit with different methods for dating), and Christmas came to be associated with the birth of Christ as a result of it falling during the December Solstice, the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. The coming of the Light of the World made a lot of sense in so much darkness. Within a few centuries of church history, both Easter and Christmas took on special meaning due to their use in commemorating the life of Jesus.
In the early centuries of the church, Advent almost certainly arose as a result of the fixed dating of Christmas. Once December 25 became Christmas, it was the center of gravity for the later half of the year—a perfect balance to Easter in the first half. In this way, Advent took on significance the same way Lent did: both were preparation for the more significant ceremonial seasons on the horizon.
In the Old Testament many references are made telling Israel to prepare. Here are some of those scriptures.
Isaiah 40:3-5: A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the Lord[a];
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.[b]
4 Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many mansions:
if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.”
Psalm 23:5-6
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
To Be Firm and Established:
The primary Hebrew word translated as prepare which means to be stable, fixed, or firmly set.
Preparing your heart means making it steadfast and resolute in obedience to God.
In Closing this year make a special effort to celebrate with many religions as we look forward and PREPARE.
Jim Haywood is treasurer and lay member of Walton Ministerial Association.
