What is Advent?

How should we celebrate the birth of Christ?  Traditions run strong in November and December, but there is little Scriptural support for many of our traditions.  One of the oldest ways people celebrate the days leading to Christmas is through something called advent.  In many cultures there is some type of gift-giving character, such as Santa Claus, who’s arrival is anticipated by children as Christmas approaches.  Another, more modern connection to Santa is Elf on the Shelf.  Are these traditions good?  Should we celebrate according to tradition?  When should we change our family traditions?

The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming/arrival.  The Greek equivalent of this word is used in Scripture to refer to the second coming of Christ.  Though I couldn’t find any definitive information on how advent started, it seemed to be a regularly celebrated time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and his second coming as early as the fifth century.  St. Martin’s Day, on November 11th, seemed to be the start of a time of fasting.  People would fast three times per week until Christmas.  The Council of Tours of 567 ordered monks to fast every day in December until Christmas.  In Eastern Orthodoxy history, there was a Nativity Fast for the 40 days prior to Christmas.  Advent has been traditionally celebrated by both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians with some time of fasting and preparation.  Many churches today, including Protestent denominations, celebrate the advent season with Scripture reading and meditation on the events surrounding the birth of Christ.  Though advent is not something commanded in Scripture, it can be a helpful way to focus your family on Christ amidst all the events of the season.  

Some holiday traditions are cultural.  While Americans sing of a white Christmas, those in the southern hemisphere are in the middle of summer!  Many cultures have a tradition of decorating with native flora, in the U.S. that often means Christmas trees, sprigs of holly, mistletoe, and evergreen boughs.   There is usually some type of gift-giving tradition as well.  Many cultures have a gift-giving entity, such as Santa Claus.  While cultural traditions can be fun and harmless, it is important for Christians to place Jesus above any cultural traditions.  When a secular tradition is contrary to God’s word, it should be avoided.  

The issue of Santa Claus is quite controversial in many Christian circles.  I was someone who grew up with parents who told us Santa was real.  They had us put out cookies & milk every Christmas Eve as a thank you gift for Santa with some carrots for his reindeer.  While we were excited about what new presents would appear under the tree on Christmas Day, my parents never let us lose sight of the fact we were celebrating the birth of Jesus.  Giving to others and worshiping God were more important than presents.  However, I was also very disillusioned and upset to find out that my parents had been lying to me.  When my daughter was born, I decided that I didn’t ever want to lie to her, even if it was just make-believe.  I answer her questions honestly, and have tried to be clear about what is real and true and what is make-believe.  We still read Christmas stories, like the Night Before Christmas, but my children learn from the start that these stories are just pretend.  Personally, I would encourage you to take the same approach.  Rather than build up excitement of anticipating Santa’s visit with gifts, focus on the coming of Christ!  Let your children see how important it was that Jesus came, and that he will come again!

Whatever you decide about which cultural traditions you will observe, as Christians, we are responsible for pointing our children to the Word of God.  Without the incarnation, we have no salvation.  “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-control, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)