Advent? Christmas What does it all mean? Advent was originally seen as another lent. It was a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for the Second coming of Jesus Went from Nov 15- Christmas (40 days)

Advent Advent comes from the Latin term that means “the coming” Has been celebrated since the 4th century when it was a time of preparation for those wishing to be baptized and convert to Christianity Also a celebration of both the first advent of Jesus and preparation for His second coming to establish His kingdom The week before Advent begins we celebrate the feast of Christ the King.

Symbols of Advent Color: Purple Why? Color of fasting and penance

The Advent Wreath Evergreen wreath Purple candles Rose candle Light Everlasting life Purple candles Penance, darkness Rose candle 3rd Sunday of Advent Joy Advent half over Light The return of light to the world after a period of darkness

Advent Calendar Old tradition Could be a poster with “doors” for each day of Advent – as each one is opened there is a prize, candy, religious image ….

St. Nick Bishop/ St. Nicholas wanted to give money to the poor without them knowing who did it so he climbed up on the roof and dropped it down the chimney

The Christmas Tree Originally a pagan symbol of fertility and life The pagans decorated their trees with fruit, and placed other foods underneath it as offerings.

The Christmas Tree Modern Christian Symbolism Christmas Tree Ornaments evergreen: symbol of eternal life tree: biblical reference to cross Ornaments Ornaments in general remind us of all of the beautiful things Jesus did Star or Angel on top of tree Star of Bethlehem (the one the wise men followed) and Angels who announced Christ's birth Lights Jesus is light of the world Ball Ornaments our world was created by God; the different colors remind us that the Gospel is for all different nations and peoples on the earth Tinsel Generosity and kindness to the poor

Christmas on Dec 25 – Was Jesus born on Dec 25th? The 25th was the feast of the unconquerable sun for sun worshippers Celebrated the return of light Festivals and gift giving were a part of the celebration Now the celebration of the birth of the Son of God Celebrates the “Light of the world”

Immaculate Conception December 8 The conception Mary without original sin Why was this necessary? Advent is a time of preparation For the coming of God into our world For the Incarnation---God becomes human How does the Immaculate conception relate to this?

Santa Claus ? The traditional hat, known as a camauro, was commonly worn by popes in the medieval period to keep their heads warm on cold days and it is featured in many paintings of the time, but it has rarely been worn in modern times.