Advent and Its Significance

Advent

• The church year is called the liturgical year.
• Advent is the first season, ending on December 25th.
• Christmas begins after Advent, ending on January 6th.
• During Advent, people focus on the people who waited for the Son of God.
• Advent reminds people of the hope for the Son of God's arrival and the possibility of being with God after death.

Meaning of the Advent Wreath

• It has four candles, representing the four weeks of Advent.
• A pink candle is lit in the third week, symbolizing joy.
• The other three candles represent love, hope, and peace.
• It often has a purple ribbon, signifying forgiveness in God.
• The wreath is made of evergreen leaves, symbolizing enduring life with God.
• Its circular shape signifies the endless nature of God's timeless life.
• Sometimes, there's a white candle in the center, representing Jesus.

John the Baptist

• Zachariah and Elizabeth, his parents, were unable to have children.
• An angel appeared to Zachariah, announcing the birth of a child.
• Zachariah initially didn't believe the angel's message, which resulted in losing his speech.
• Elizabeth was barren
• Zachariah wrote the name John, regaining his speech.
• People wanted to name the baby after the father's family, but Elizabeth named him John

Birth of Jesus

• On March 25th (Feast of Annunciation), Gabriel appeared to Mary.
• Mary was engaged to Joseph.
• Gabriel told Mary she would be the mother of the Son of God.
• Mary was shocked and asked how this was possible, as she was a virgin.
• Gabriel said the child would be conceived through the Holy Spirit.
• She was afraid but decided to accept.

Mary Visits Elizabeth

• Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, telling her about the news of her pregnancy.
• The baby in Elizabeth's womb, John, acknowledged Mary's presence.
• Elizabeth recognized Mary as the most blessed woman.

Joseph's Reaction

• Joseph was initially going to break off the engagement with Mary upon finding out Mary was pregnant.
• An angel appeared to Joseph while he was sleeping and told him not to be afraid.
• The angel confirmed that the child was the Son of God and not his.
• The child's name would be Immanuel.
• His family was from the house of David.

Jesus's Birth

• Around Jesus's time, the Romans controlled the land around Israel.
• Augustus was the Emperor.
• A census required the people of Israel to return to their ancestral towns.
• Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, where they couldn't find lodging.
• Jesus was born in a stable.

The Shepherds

• Shepherds were watching their sheep when they saw a bright star.
• An angel appeared and announced the birth of the Son of God.

The Three Wise Men

• The three wise men/kings were astrologers who studied stars.
• They saw a special star in the East and followed it to Bethlehem.
• They asked King Herod where the newborn king was.
• Herod wanted to kill the baby Jesus, but an angel warned the wise men to not go back to Herod.
•  The Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus.

Herod and the Killing of Children

• Herod wanted to kill all male children under the age of two in an attempt to kill Jesus.
• An angel warned Joseph, and he fled to Egypt with Mary and Jesus.

Egypt

• An angel warned Joseph about Herod's plan, and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled to Egypt.

Explore the profound meanings behind Advent, the liturgical year, and the symbolism of the Advent wreath. This quiz delves into the traditions and spiritual reflections associated with the anticipation of Christmas. Understand the key figures of the season and their importance in the narrative of faith.