Rediscovering the True Meaning of Advent

Advent, often associated with the anticipation of Jesus's birth, holds a deeper, often overlooked significance. Historically, this season has been equally focused on the second coming of Christ. Ryan Griffith highlights that the term "Advent" (from Latin "adventus") mirrors the Greek "parousia," which refers to Christ's second coming, not just His nativity.

The early church placed greater emphasis on Easter than Christmas, with the observance of Jesus's birth evolving later. By the fourth century, Advent practices began incorporating both the celebration of His first coming and the anticipation of His return.

This dual focus is reflected in traditional liturgies and hymns, such as the "O Antiphons," which express longing for Christ's final return to restore creation fully. The season invites believers not only to look back in gratitude for the incarnation but also forward in hope and expectation of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

By reclaiming this forward-looking aspect of Advent, modern Christians can deepen their spiritual practices and embrace the full richness of the season.

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