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STUDY GUIDE Advent and Christmas

Advent

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FIFTH GRADE STUDY GUIDE

he four-week period before Christmas is known as Advent. Advent lasts for four weeks (anywhere from twenty-one to twenty-eight days). It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Catholics are encouraged to prepare themselves spiritually for the Lord. In Latin, the word Advent is defined as "to come to." Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for

the Catholic Church.

During Advent, people try to add a little more holiness into their lives. They pray, read the Bible, meditate, and attend Mass more frequently. Catholics are also encouraged to go to confession during Advent. In many homes and Churches, you might find Advent Wreaths. An Advent wreath has four candles. Each candle represents one week of Advent. The exact time that Advent began is uncertain. There is some documentation that Advent was celebrated in Spain in the year 650 A.D. Various rules were instructed on how Advent should be. Fasting and couples could not get married during Advent were just some rules. In modern times, couples are allowed to marry, however, fasting is still encouraged. The purposes of Advent: 1) To prepare for Jesus at Christmas by celebrating his birth 2) To prepare for Jesus coming again at the end of time 3) To prepare for Jesus each day in our hearts The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath During the time of Advent, many people have an Advent wreath in their homes. While these decorations are certainly festive and add to the holiday spirit, there is also much symbolism in the wreath that people may not recognize.

First, the wreath is always in the form of a circle. Since a circle has no beginning and no end, it is a symbol for God, Who is eternal and without beginning or end. The Advent wreath is always made from evergreens. These branches, as the name indicates, are "ever green" -- ever alive. They are symbolic of Christ, Who died, but Who is alive, never to die again. The evergreen branches also symbolize our soul's immortality. Christ came into the world to give us never-ending life. Entwined around the circle of evergreens are red holly berries. They look like large red drops of blood, and symbolize the bloodshed by Christ for

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mankind. They remind us that Christ came into this world to die for us and redeem us. It is through the shedding of His blood that we have eternal life. The wreath has four candles, three violet ones and one rose colored candle. These symbolize the four weeks of the Advent season, our time of preparation for Christmas. Each day, the Liturgy tells us of the Hebrew expectation of the Messiah in the Old Testament reading, and the Gospels begin to introduce us to the characters of the Christmas story. At the beginning of Advent a single candle is lit, but each week another candle is lit. As the light from the wreath increases each week as more candles are lit, the wreath reminds us that the birth of the Light of the World is coming closer. So may our souls grow brighter in their love for, and anticipation of, the Christ Child as this season of grace continues. The color of the four candles also has significance. The violet candles have a penitential appearance, much as we find violet in the church during the penitential season of Lent. The violet is to remind us that Advent is a season of preparation in which we should be spiritually preparing our souls to receive Christ on Christmas. The single rose colored candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is called "Gaudete" Sunday. "Gaudete" is the Latin word for "rejoice", and symbolizes an element of rejoicing in the midst of our penitential preparation, for the joy of Christmas is almost here. The rose color is made by mixing violet with white. It is almost as if the joy we celebrate at Christmas (symbolized by bright white) cannot contain itself during this penitential season (violet) and burst forth a bit into the Advent season. On Christmas, the four candles are replaced with white ones -- our time of preparation is over and we enter a time of great joy.

So, the next time you see or display an Advent wreath, don't just think of it as a nice decoration. Remember all the symbolism it has for us as it reminds us of the need for spiritual preparation to fully share in the great joy of the birth of Christ, the Son of God Who gave His life for us so that we might have eternal life. Summary: 1) The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent 2) The light of the candles is symbolic of Christ as the Light of the World. 3) The flame of the candle is a light in the darkness. Jesus remains a light in the world today. 4) The evergreen is a sign of life

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5) The circle is a symbol of eternity. 6)

The liturgical colors of the candles: purple is the penitential color used during Advent and Lent; rose is a liturgical color used only on Gaudete Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent) help to symbolize not only our expectation and hope in Our Savior's first coming into the world, but also in his Second Coming as Judge at the end of the world.

PREPARING THE WAY OF THE LORD - John the Baptist John the Baptist was a great prophet. He prepared the way of Jesus by calling the people to repent and by baptizing them in the Jordan River. John lived in the desert. He wore a garment of camel’s hair fastened with a leather belt and ate only grasshoppers and wild honey. The Gospel of John tells us who he was by quoting the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice in the desert, crying out: Make straight the way of the Lord.” John the Baptist proclaimed that God’s anointed one would come very soon. “One more powerful than me is coming,” he said “I am not fit to stoop and untie his sandal straps. I have baptized you in water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” John called the people to change the way they lived. “Let the person who has two coats give one to someone who has none,” he said, “And those who have food should share with those who are hungry.” Many people were baptized by John as a sign that they wanted to change and the way God wanted. Jesus baptism was a sign his obedience to God’s call and a beginning of his ministry. Summary 1) great prophet 2) Jesus’ cousin (John’s mother Elizabeth and Jesus’ mother Mary were cousins) 3) He prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repent and by baptizing them in the Jordan River. 4) He lived in a desert. 5) John said that he was not worthy to untie the sandals of the messiah. 6) John baptized many people because they wanted to change and prepare for the messiah’s coming. 7) Jesus was baptized by John this was a sign of obedience to God’s call and the beginning of his ministry.

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Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th of each year. It is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The word "Christmas" means "Christ's Mass" derived from the English term "Christes masse". There are many different customs and traditions around the world. American customs come from many places. Santa Claus has a Dutch origin. He was developed from St. Nicholas who was a real person. St. Nicholas, was the patron saint of school boys. He brought gifts to the children. The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney originated in Norway, where children hang Christmas stockings on the fireplace mantel. Christmas trees have pagan origins. When pagans became Christian, they used evergreens (a sacred tree) for the holiday by decorating them with nuts and candles. They sang Christmas carols as they danced around the Christmas tree. Christmas colors are red and green. Today, traditional Christmas activities include caroling, making and giving gifts, sending cards to family and friends, and enjoying festive dinners and parties. Below are symbols of Christmas and their significance.

Angel An angel told the shepherds of the birth of Jesus. Angels come in many forms for Christmas decorations including the tree topper.

Bells Church bells rang to announce the birth of Jesus. They still ring today.

Camels Camels are the animals the wisemen rode following the star to where Jesus was born.

Candles Candles represent the light that Jesus brought to earth. Pagans who converted to Christianity used candles on the sacred evergreen tree.

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Christmas Cards For many years, private notes of good tidings were sent at Christmas time. In 1843, Sir Henry Cole had 1000 special designed cards printed. The custom of sending Christmas cards began. Christmas Caroling Caroling is a medieval custom of singing and dancing around a Christmas tree. Early carols weren't holy enough for singing inside a church, so caroling was done outside.

Christmas Cookies Originated with pre-Christian Romans who gave sweet cakes to their senators. Christmas Seals

A Danish postal clerk sold Christmas stamps (Christmas seals) to show that users had given to a worthy cause.

Christmas Stocking There is a legend associated with the origin of Christmas stockings. St. Nick, who wanted to remain anonymous and help a poor family, threw gold coins down their chimney. They fell into a stocking that was hanging there to dry.

Christmas Tree Lights The lights represent Christ as being the "Light of the World." Lights also represent stars. Candles were first used as lights on the Christmas tree.

Creche A manger scene representing the Jesus' place of birth.

Donkeys, Lambs, and Cows Donkeys, lambs, and cows were animals close to Jesus at the time of his birth. They are usually part of the Creche.

Evergreen Tree The evergreen tree was decorated by the pagans at the feast of the winter solstice. The evergreen tree was a sign that winter would end.

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Gifts The first Christmas gifts were given by the Wisemen to Baby Jesus.

Holly Holly is a shrub with spiny leaves and red berries. The leaves remain green throughout the year. Pagans thought its greenness was a promise that the sun would return. Early French and English families hung holly over their doors to symbolize a home in which Christ's birth is celebrated.

Icicles Icicles are sometimes used as a tree decoration. As per an old story, the Christ child took shelter for a night under a pine tree. When the tree realized that it was caring for Jesus, tears of happiness fell from its branches. The tears froze into icicles.

Jesus Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus is the son of God.

Joseph Joseph is the husband of Mary.

Manger A cow's manger is the place where Baby Jesus slept. It is part of the Creche.

Mary Mary is the mother of Jesus.

Mince Meat Pie Mince meat pie is full of spices and fruits. It represents the exotic treasures of the East that the Wisemen brought to Jesus.

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Mistletoe A sprig of evergreen plant hung at Christmas time. Custom is that people can kiss each other standing under it.

Plum Pudding Plum pudding originated by an English king that was stranded in a blizzard one Christmas Eve. He used what he could find to make a special holiday dish.

Poinsettia This flower was brought to the U.S. by Dr, J.R. Poinsett in 1825. He was the first first United States ambassador to Mexico. Because of its flame leaf, the poinsettia is sometimes called the Christmas Star. A Mexican legend explains how this flower got associated with Christmas.

Reindeer Reindeer were the animals chosen by St. Nicholas to pull his sleigh. His reindeers' names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer is the most famous.

Saint Nicholas Saint Nicholas was a real person. He was a kind bishop who brought presents to children and needy people.

Shepherds Shepherds tend sheep. They came to the manger to honor Baby Jesus.

Star The Star of Bethlehem guided the Three Wisemen to Baby Jesus.

Tinsel There is a legend associated with this thin metalic foil strip decoration. It tells about parents who trimmed a tree while their children were sleeping. Spiders came to see the tree, leaving cobwebs all over it. The Christ Child came to bless the tree and turned the cobwebs to silver.

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Three Wisemen Three Kings travelled far to see Jesus. They brought their best treasures for gifts. Gold - a precious metal associated with the power of kings Frankincense - A resin from a rare and sacred tree used as incense Myrrh - A resin from a shrub used in making perfume.

Wassail A wassail is a salutation of good health or well wishes by means of a toast. The drink is a mixture of mulled eggs, curdled cream, apples, nuts, and spices. Usually poured from a punch bowl while exchanging Christmas greeings.

Yule Log The word "yule" means "wheel," a symbol representing the sun. Before Jesus was born, pagans thought the sun stood still for 12 days at the end of the year. A log was cut large enough to burn for this time period to burn away last year's evil.

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Jesse Tree Symbols The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a physical way to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expected messiah (e.g., Jer 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God. Symbols of the Jesse Tree The Sun: Jesus Christ sheds light on all of us and brings everlasting light. The Tablets of the Law: God gave Moses tablets of God's law to Moses on Mount Sinai. These laws were fulfilled in Christ Who brings a law of love. The Key of David: Jesus Christ is the key to the gates of Heaven. The key is a symbol of authority. Bethlehem: Micheas prophesied that Bethlehem would be the birth place of Jesus Christ 700 years prior to Christ's birth. Bethlehem means the House of Bread. The Root of Jesse: The flower that comes from the root of Jesse is another figure of Jesus Christ. Isaiah prophesied that the Savior would be born from the root of Jesse, that He would sit upon the throne of David, and in Christ this prophecy is fulfilled. The Star of David: The star with six points is a symbol of the Royal House of David. Jesus Christ Who is born of the House of David, can call this symbol His own. Jacob's Ladder: Jacob saw a ladder that went from Heaven to Earth in a vision. He saw angels descending and ascending. Jesus Christ is our Ladder that unites us with God. Jonas in the Whale: Jesus Christ remained in the Earth for three days after He was crucified. Jonas stayed a whale for three days.

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The Temple: The Temple was God's dwelling place among the Jews of the Old Testament. His new Presence is within us. The Crown and Sceptre: The crown and sceptre symbolizes Christ's universal kingship. As we sing in the fifth O Antiphon, Christ is not only the King of the Jewish nation, but the "Desired One of all," the cornerstone which unites both Jew and Gentile. The Sword of Judith: In the Old Testament, Judith killed the leader Asyrian army with a sword. She saved the Israelite nation. Mary brought salvation to humankind. The Burning Bush: As a burning bush, God showed Himself to Moses. This is a symbol of the Virgin Birth of Christ. Noah's Ark: Noah saved natural life within the ark. Jesus saves us all. The Ark of the Covenant: We call Mary the Ark of the Covenant because she, like the Ark of the Old Testament, contained Jesus. The Altar of Holocaust: Sacrifice was offered daily on the Jewish altar of holocaust — a type of the Christian altar and the daily sacrifice of the Mass. The Apple: "O Happy Fault, whereby we have merited so great a Redeemer." The Paschal Lamb: At the yearly Pasch, the Jews sacrificed a new, unblemished lamb in thanksgiving for all that God had done for them and as an atonement offering for all their sins. This sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb was fulfilled in Christ, the "Lamb who takes away the sins of the world." The Pillar of Fire: In the Old Testament, God appeared in a pillar of fire to lead His people through the desert, as Christ leads us through the desert of life. Manna: This is the symbol of Christ. Jewish people ate this in the desert for forty years.

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