The Official Start Of Advent!

As I have mentioned on my blog before in a previous post I am a Christian. Spud knows the real reason behind Christmas, it isn't about Father Christmas nor is it about presents, in the Christian eyes, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. 

Today is the official start of Advent, Advent is a term from the Latin word 'adventus' which means "arrival". It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas, the coming of Jesus to earth when he was born as a baby at Bethlehem about two thousand years ago.

What is Advent?

Advent is the new year of the Christian Church and the church season that leads to Christmas Day. Advent is the time when Christians remember that Jesus came into the world in Palestine 2000 years ago and that Jesus also promised one day to return in all His glory.

Clergy typically wear royal purple or royal blue vestments during Advent. Many churches also include an advent wreath (sometimes called an Advent ring or crown) in their Advent services.

When does Advent start?

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to 30th November (St. Andrew's Day) and lasts until midnight on Christmas Eve. Advent Sunday is the first of the four Sundays before the 25th December.

The beginning of Advent is when the preparations for Christmas really begin - the festive menu is planned, gifts are chosen and wrapped, carols are sung, cards are written and posted and houses are decorated.

Spud does have an advent calendar, 3 to be precise! I do not take these things away from Spud just like my parents did not take these away from me, however, we do have our own beliefs in the real reason behind Christmas. This does not mean I do not encourage Spud to believe in Father Christmas he does indeed, he just believes we have Christmas to celebrate the birth of our saviour Lord Jesus. 

I do like to attend Midnight Mass but it's becoming harder for me to attend as Spud gets older, this year I won't be attending Midnight Mass but instead will be watching it on the TV.

To each and every one of my lovely readers and visitors, no matter what religion, race, sex, nationally etc you are, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Until next time,