Advent is the lead up to Christmas and has been celebrated since the 4th century. The word Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus that means “arrival” or “coming”. Originally, the period was a time for converts to Christianity to prepare for baptism. Today it is associated with anticipation of the anniversary of Christ’s birth observed on December 25.

The Advent calendar is of German origin and began sometime in the mid-1800s. German families would count down the days to Christmas by tallying chalk marks on a door or a wall. Variations of the countdown then evolved to lighting a candle or hanging a religious picture for each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Some families began making homemade Advent calendars to go along with their countdown. By the early 1900s, a few publishing companies and newspapers produced very simple printed calendars.

One printer, named Gerhard Lang, helped spread the popularity of the Advent calendars. He had grown up in his family with a tradition of the homemade type. He designed a cardboard version; later, in the 1920s, he came up with the idea of cutting out little doors that could be opened each day. A devotional or Bible verse was hidden behind each door. With this innovation, Lang is considered to be the father of the modern Advent calendar.

The production of Advent calendars was halted for a time during World War II due to paper rationing. After the war, printing companies revived the tradition and the calendars began to catch on again. In the 1950s their popularity got a boost when pictures were published of President Dwight Eisenhower opening an Advent calendar with this grandchildren! By that time, many of the calendars began including simple gifts, like chocolate or a small toy, behind each door. The popularity of the calendars has continued to grow.

The meaning of the Advent calendar still remains steeped in religious themes, and marking the days of Advent still serves as a time of spiritual reflection and preparation. It is a reminder of the longing and anticipation of God’s people, who for centuries, awaited the coming of the Messiah.

Counting down the days of Advent can help us know what it must have been like waiting, generation after generation, for the promised Messiah. It reminds us also of the reason the Savior was needed to come in the first place—our sin—and to remember God’s past and continuing faithfulness to us.

On this side of the cross, we know that Israel’s long season of waiting culminated in the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent culminates in the celebration of Christmas. The Advent season prepares our minds and hearts, because we still live in a state of expectation…we are waiting for Christ’s Second Coming! As we look back at His first Advent, we prepare and live in joyful anticipation of his second Advent. The Advent calendar helps ready our hearts to celebrate the gift of God’s Son and His saving Grace.

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“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 NIV

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the LORD. Luke 2:11 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting  Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

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If you have a story that you think might bless others, I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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