The Advent Project is "committed to working ecumenically to restore Advent from four (4) to seven (7) weeks". They have some resources, including O Antiphons for seven weeks and candle-lighting devotions for home use. (as of 5/5/2023 The Advent Project links have been compromised and flagged by Blogger, resulting in the unpublishing of this post. I've removed the links. Other extended Advent resources are available with a simple Google search. I invite you to look into that.) There's another service for home use here.
Yes, this made my Advent wreath useless, but I've made one with more candles, pictured above, that will serve. The color of the candles is irrelevant, except the Christ candle in the center -which I haven't added yet- should be white.
I have never found the time of preparation for Christmas to be stressful as some seem to, and I've always enjoyed a bit of the hustle and bustle that goes with this season, so my reasons for joining this movement have nothing to do with a reaction to commercialization or secular concerns. I'm interested in exploring this older tradition of a longer Advent as an end in itself, as a way of deepening my experience of Advent.
I'm finding an expanded Advent to be helpful in my personal devotions.
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thank you for sharing this post-growing up we always had an advent wreath Mom used light purple candles and the white in the center. My husband is Jewish grew up with orthodox for a couple years I set up both but he said he didn't want to do his any more-a few years later I stopped-my excuse was I worked so many hours in a week and I was working soooo much, but that was no reason really to stop. thank you for the links I am off to read them
ReplyDeleteI grew up with an Advent wreath, too, one of those simple brass rings, and we'd use a pamphlet with short devotions at the supper table. As it turns out this year, I've been lighting the candle in the morning and just saying the O Antiphon and that one simple prayer (the one-sentence collect) found in one of those guides. It'll change by the week. This is a shorter devotion each day than what I was used to, but it's working for me.
Deletesound nice
ReplyDeleteIt's new to me :)
DeleteI never knew that Advent came from a longer tradition than 4 weeks. And only knew the candle colors to be 3 purple and 1 pink
ReplyDeleteThe 3 purple and 1 pink "thing" is a Catholic tradition that just got imported. The 4 week practice has been going on a long time, but it wasn't the first observance.
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea to practice some of the older traditions at Christmastime! I think people often forget the true meaning of Christmas, there is so much more to it than just exchanging gifts 😀. Thanks for sharing this interesting tradition and wishing you a Happy Friday and Weekend! Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying exploring this :)
DeleteOMGosh. I have one of those 7 candle advent wreaths in my Christmas stash. I had NO idea what it meant or was for. I'm so glad you explained it. I only wish I had time to participate this year, but I am simply too far behind to even think about digging through my Christmas goodies to do it this year. I think this is a wonderful tradition.
ReplyDeleteCool! I had never heard of it before, but it's adding a lot to my observance :)
DeleteHow interesting. We are used to the 4 weeks, but 6 weeks sounds good too, especially as it puts more focus on the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Lisca
Yes, it feels almost like we're co-opting the secular hijacking ;)
DeleteMost people have Advent wreaths here, but always just for 4 candles. Enjoy your celebrations! Valerie
ReplyDeleteYes, the 4-week wreath is all I'd ever heard of.
DeleteWow, I didn't know they shorted Advent back in time. Hmmmm... I like this idea of trying to observe it the way it was done originally. I'm going to add these links to my blog, so I have them as a reference.
ReplyDeleteAll traditions change over time, and there was no Advent at all at first. I think traditions are best when they're adapted to suit changing times. I do love the traditions I've come to know through the years, partly because they help me feel connected to a larger community without having to actually go out and be physically there with other people ;)
DeleteAnything that takes the focus away from the commercialism is great in my book. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the hustle and bustle and pretties in the shops, but I agree that my focus shouldn't be there :)
DeleteWhat an interesting post! I'm always excited to start burning my advent candle. Your wreath looks beautiful. Happy Advent!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I've added the white candle in the center, which makes it feel complete.
DeleteThat is fascinating about advent. I guess the pre-pope days was the inspiration to all the holiday advertising. I do like your wreath. IT reminds me of the Scandinavian St Lucia head wreath. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure exactly how and when the observance of Advent first began. I imagine it evolved gradually, as our practices continue to do. I love St. Lucia Day! I don't have Scandinavian heritage, but I adopted that holiday when the kids were little, and I still enjoy those sweet rolls and coffee :)
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