We’re in the season of Advent, which is one of those churchy things that has the possibility of being confusing (like standing on certain verses of songs that have mysterious triangles beside them). Here are a few brief facts for your Advent: 
- The name “Advent” is a shortening of the Latin word “adventus” which means “coming”.
- Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas in the Western tradition (Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, etc), but it stretches from mid November until Epiphany (January 6) in many older traditions which means that it went for 7 Sundays, 40 days.
- Advent was originally a period of fasting (usually from sun up to sun down), like Lent.
- In certain eras of the church, new believers were only baptized on Easter or Epiphany (January 6). Advent was a mandatory fast for those who were preparing for baptism.
- Also like Lent, Advent’s color was originally purple. English and Spanish churches began using blue in the 1100’s. Aside from one particular area in Spain, the Roman Catholic church officially discourages the use of blue for altars and clergy vestments.
- Advent calendars don’t necessarily start on December 1st, but on the first Sunday of Advent which is often in November.
- The Old Testament lessons in Advent usually come from Isaiah and focus on the prophecies of the coming Messiah
- The major Gospel reading character in Advent is actually John the Baptist, not Jesus. It is the only church season in which a character other than Jesus dominates the Gospel readings.
- Technically, you’re probably not supposed to sing Christmas carols and hymns until Dec 24. Advent has it’s own set of hymns.
- Advent has been a season of the church since at least the mid 400’s.
- The pink candle in Advent signaled a “week off” from the fast of Advent, the fast was resumed on the 4th Sunday of Advent until is was broken after church on Christmas Eve (or Epiphany in earlier traditions).
- Many if not most midwestern Lutheran churches keep the tradition of “Advent midweek services” which are normally non-communion worship services held on Wednesday evenings to encourage regular prayer and Scripture reading throughout Advent
- Advent begins a new liturgical year, and begins the first of two cycles of Repentance(Advent)-Celebration(Christmas)-Manifestation(Epiphany), the other cycle is Lent(Repentance)-Easter(Celebration)-Sundays after Pentecost(Manifestation).
Have a blessed Advent and remember to wear pink this upcoming Sunday! It’s Pink Candle (Gaudete) Sunday!