Advent

 

YouTube

• 
  

• Query successful

Sure, here are some videos about Christian Advent Observances on YouTube:

• When Did Christians Begin Advent Celebrations? by Ryan Reeves
• What is Advent? for Kids | Advent Explained in 2 Minutes | Where did Advent Calendars Come From? by Twinkl Educational Publishing
• Advent | Christian Living | Teacher Beth Class TV by Teacher Beth Class TV
• Great Family Activities for Advent by Ascension Presents
• How to celebrate Advent-DO THIS! by Gospelogian

The history of Christian Advent observances can be traced back to the early centuries of the church. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming." Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and hope.

The first recorded celebration of Advent was in the 4th century AD in Spain. At that time, Advent was a one-day season that began on December 17th. In the 6th century AD, Advent was extended to four weeks.

The four weeks of Advent are each focused on a different theme:

• The first week of Advent is focused on hope and the second coming of Christ.
• The second week of Advent is focused on repentance and the need to prepare for Christ's birth.
• The third week of Advent is focused on joy and the expectation of Christ's birth.
• The fourth week of Advent is focused on love and the celebration of Christ's birth.

Advent observances have varied over the centuries, but there are some common elements that have remained throughout history. These include:

• Prayer: Advent is a time of increased prayer and devotion. Christians often pray for guidance and strength during this season.
• Fasting: Fasting is a way to discipline the body and focus the mind on spiritual things. Christians often fast during Advent as a way to prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth.
• Scripture readings: Advent is a time to reflect on the Scriptures and the story of Christ's coming into the world. Christians often read from the Gospels and other passages of Scripture during Advent.
• Candle lighting: The Advent wreath is a popular symbol of the Advent season. It consists of four candles that are lit one by one each week of Advent. The lighting of each candle represents the growing anticipation of Christ's birth.

Advent is a special time of year for Christians all over the world. It is a time to prepare for the celebration of the greatest gift ever given: the gift of Jesus Christ.

Here are some additional facts about the history of Christian Advent observances:

• The first Advent calendar was created in Germany in the 19th century.
• The Advent wreath was first used in Lutheran churches in Germany in the 19th century.
• The tradition of singing Christmas carols during Advent began in England in the 16th century.
• The Christmas tree is a relatively recent addition to Advent observances. It was first used in Germany in the 16th century and became popular in the United States in the 19th century.

Advent is a time of joy and celebration for Christians all over the world. It is a time to remember the gift of Jesus Christ and to prepare for his coming.

 The four weeks of Advent are each focused on a different theme, as follows:

Week 1: Hope Week 2: Peace Week 3: Joy Week 4: Love

These themes are reflected in the Advent wreath, which is a traditional symbol of the season. The wreath has four candles, one for each week of Advent. A new candle is lit each Sunday of Advent, until all four candles are lit on Christmas Eve.

The themes of Advent are also reflected in the Scripture readings and prayers of the season. Christians are encouraged to reflect on these themes and to prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth.

Here are some specific examples of how each theme of Advent is reflected in the Scripture readings and prayers of the season:

Week 1: Hope

• Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:2-7
• Prayer: "Lord, help us to have hope in the midst of darkness. Remind us that you are with us, and that you will never leave us or forsake us."

Week 2: Peace

• Scripture reading: Micah 5:2-5a
• Prayer: "Lord, help us to find peace in this busy and chaotic world. Remind us that your peace is not like the world's peace, and that it can only be found in you."

Week 3: Joy

• Scripture reading: Luke 1:46-55
• Prayer: "Lord, help us to experience the joy of your coming. Fill our hearts with your love, and help us to share that love with others."

Week 4: Love

• Scripture reading: John 3:16-17
• Prayer: "Lord, help us to understand the depth of your love for us. Help us to love you in return, and to love others as you love us."

• Here are some additional facts about the history of Christian Advent observances:

• The first recorded celebration of Advent was in the 4th century AD in Spain. At that time, Advent was a one-day season that began on December 17th. In the 6th century AD, Advent was extended to four weeks.
• The Advent wreath was first used in Lutheran churches in Germany in the 19th century.
• The tradition of singing Christmas carols during Advent began in England in the 16th century.
• The Christmas tree is a relatively recent addition to Advent observances. It was first used in Germany in the 16th century and became popular in the United States in the 19th century.
•  
• Here are 2 illustrative stories about Advent:

  Story 1: The Four Candles

  Once upon a time, there were four candles that lived together in a beautiful box. Each candle was different, but they were all friends.

  The first candle was red and represented hope. It said, "I hope that one day I will be used to light someone's way in the darkness."

  The second candle was green and represented peace. It said, "I hope that one day I will be used to bring peace to a troubled world."

  The third candle was white and represented joy. It said, "I hope that one day I will be used to bring joy to someone's heart."

  The fourth candle was blue and represented love. It said, "I hope that one day I will be used to show someone the love of God."

  One day, a little girl opened the box and found the four candles. She was very excited, because she knew that it was Advent season. She lit the red candle and placed it in the window. The candle burned brightly and lit the way for travelers in the dark night.

  The next day, the little girl lit the green candle. The candle burned peacefully and brought a sense of peace to the little girl's home.

  On the third day of Advent, the little girl lit the white candle. The candle burned joyfully and brought joy to the little girl's heart.

  On the fourth day of Advent, the little girl lit the blue candle. The candle burned brightly and showed the little girl the love of God.

  The little girl was very happy with her four candles. She knew that they were special gifts from God.

  Story 2: The Lost Sheep

  Once upon a time, there was a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. He loved his sheep very much and took good care of them.

  One day, the shepherd noticed that one of his sheep was missing. He searched everywhere for the lost sheep, but he couldn't find it.

  The shepherd was very worried. He knew that the lost sheep was all alone and that it might be in danger.

  The shepherd decided to leave the ninety-nine sheep safe in the fold and go to look for the lost sheep. He searched all day long, but he couldn't find it.

  Just as the shepherd was about to give up, he heard a faint cry. He followed the sound and found the lost sheep stuck in a thorn bush.

  The shepherd was so happy to find the lost sheep. He gently freed the sheep from the thorns and carried it back to the fold.

  The shepherd's other sheep were very happy to see the lost sheep again. They all gathered around the lost sheep and welcomed it back.

  The shepherd was also very happy. He knew that God had helped him to find the lost sheep. He thanked God for his love and for his faithfulness.

  These two stories illustrate the themes of Advent hope, peace, joy, and love. They also remind us that God loves us and cares for us, even when we are lost.