Historic Advent (6 weeks)

The origins of the season of Advent are rooted in the parallel between Christmas and Easter. Just as there is a forty day season of Lent which consists of six weeks. The origins of Advent wanted to parallel this concept. We need time of preparation for the Birth of our Lord, just like we need preparation for the death of our Lord.

Interesting enough is the fact that there is a season of preparation (advent/lent) season of celebration (Christmas/Easter) and a season after the following significant event (epiphany/Pentecost). They outlines six weeks of Advent. This was latter reduced. Some have argued that it was reduced because of the focus on Christmas being too great. Others argue that the significance of the Advent wreathe and four fold celebration of Hope, peace, joy, and love.

Some have desired to bring back the six week Advent. This being time to focus on the preparation for the coming of the Christ child. This would be a time to read through all the Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus Christ. 

The Narrative Lectionary developed by Luther Seminary, takes us all the way back to the first week of September. They start with Genesis and work through the Advent season going through various Old Testament lessons. Likewise, the Four Year Lectionary (I developed a few years ago) also starts with focus on these Old Testament accounts in the beginning of September.

This is a great way to think more about the preparation for the Advent season. This even gives us opportunity to think of all those people God chose to save long before he sent his son into the flesh. Think about a more full understanding of Advent and preparing for Christ coming to his people. Thank you.

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