Adventus Domini
The Lord is coming!
‘patientes estote
et vos confirmate corda vestra
quoniam adventus Domini adpropinquavi‘
Be ye also patient;
stablish your hearts:
for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Advent
The coming of the Lord!
Let us prepare our hearts
To welcome Him
Meaning of Adventus Domini
Adventus Domini is a Latin phrase that translates to The Coming of the Lord. This term is often associated with the Christian season of Advent, which is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent typically lasts for four weeks and is marked by themes of anticipation, hope, and reflection on the significance of Christ’s coming into the world. The phrase emphasizes the idea of waiting and preparing for the arrival of Jesus, both in the historical sense of his birth and in the spiritual sense of awaiting his second coming.
What is Advent
Advent is a Christian liturgical season that marks the beginning of the Church year and serves as a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Traditionally, Advent lasts for four weeks, beginning on the Sunday closest to November 30 (the Feast of St. Andrew) and ending on Christmas Eve.
Key features of Advent include:
Themes of Preparation: Advent focuses on themes of hope, expectation, and preparation. It invites Christians to reflect on their faith, anticipate the coming of Christ, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christmas.
Advent Wreath: Many families and churches use an Advent wreath, which typically consists of four candles arranged in a circle, with a fifth candle in the center. Each week, a candle is lit, symbolizing the light of Christ coming into the world. The colors of the candles can vary, but common practices include three purple candles (representing hope, peace, and love) and one pink candle (representing joy).
Liturgical Practices: Special prayers, readings, and hymns are often part of Advent services. The scripture readings for this season typically emphasize prophetic passages that speak of the coming Messiah and encourage reflection on the meaning of Christ’s incarnation.
Observance and Traditions: Different Christian denominations may have varying traditions associated with Advent. These can include Advent calendars, daily devotionals, and community activities centered around service and giving.
Advent is a time for Christians to prepare spiritually for Christmas, reflecting on both the historical significance of Christ’s birth and the ongoing significance of his presence in the world today.
Biblical reading
Romans 13:11-14
Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand.
Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
