1. Advent? Christmas What does it all mean?
Advent was originally seen as another lent. It was a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for the Second coming of Jesus
Went from Nov 15- Christmas (40 days)

2. Advent Advent comes from the Latin term that means “the coming”
Has been celebrated since the 4th century when it was a time of preparation for those wishing to be baptized and convert to Christianity
Also a celebration of both the first advent of Jesus and preparation for His second coming to establish His kingdom
The week before Advent begins we celebrate the feast of Christ the King.

3. Symbols of Advent
Color: Purple
Why?
Color of fasting and penance

4. The Advent Wreath Evergreen wreath Purple candles Rose candle Light
Everlasting life
Purple candles
Penance, darkness
Rose candle
3rd Sunday of Advent
Joy
Advent half over
Light
The return of light to the world after a period of darkness

5. Advent Calendar Old tradition
Could be a poster with “doors” for each day of Advent – as each one is opened there is a prize, candy, religious image ….

6. St. Nick
Bishop/ St. Nicholas wanted to give money to the poor without them knowing who did it so he climbed up on the roof and dropped it down the chimney

7. The Christmas Tree Originally a pagan symbol of fertility and life
The pagans decorated their trees with fruit, and placed other foods underneath it as offerings.

8. The Christmas Tree Modern Christian Symbolism Christmas Tree Ornaments
evergreen: symbol of eternal life
tree: biblical reference to cross
Ornaments
Ornaments in general remind us of all of the beautiful things Jesus did
Star or Angel on top of tree
Star of Bethlehem (the one the wise men followed) and Angels who announced Christ's birth
Lights
Jesus is light of the world
Ball Ornaments
our world was created by God; the different colors remind us that the Gospel is for all different nations and peoples on the earth
Tinsel
Generosity and kindness to the poor

9. Christmas on Dec 25 – Was Jesus born on Dec 25th?
The 25th was the feast of the unconquerable sun for sun worshippers
Celebrated the return of light
Festivals and gift giving were a part of the celebration
Now the celebration of the birth of the Son of God
Celebrates the “Light of the world”

10. Immaculate Conception December 8
The conception Mary without original sin
Why was this necessary?
Advent is a time of preparation
For the coming of God into our world
For the Incarnation---God becomes human
How does the Immaculate conception relate to this?

11. Santa Claus ?
The traditional hat, known as a camauro, was commonly worn by popes in the medieval period to keep their heads warm on cold days and it is featured in many paintings of the time, but it has rarely been worn in modern times.