Adventus, Natale, Epiphania

CSS UCSI were proud to have invited Father Chris Wilwaraj for our last CSS gathering to talk on the topic of Advent and Christmas. Below is a short summary of that day :

Advent.

- This term refers to the 4 weeks before Christmas, starting from the 2nd on December until the 24th of December.
- During advent, the priest always wears a purple robe(also only during Lent) as a symbol of expectation or preparation. It is a time of preparation of a joyous or sorrowful event. In this case, Advent would be preparation for a joyous celebration that will take place during Christmas

Tradition of Advent

1. Advent Wreaths

- Each week of advent, one candle will be lighted up. There are 3 purple candles for the first three weeks of advent, and a pink candle for the last week. The purple candle symbolizes, again, the expectation of Jesus while the pink one symbolizes a new sense of expectation that Jesus will COME again(as we profess our faith in the I Believe "He will come again to judge the living and the dead")

2. The Nativity Scenes

- the nativity scenes depict the Holy Family and those who came to worship the child. Most of the time, the churches in Malaysia will have the nativity scenes at the back of the church to portrait the birth of Jesus

3. Christmas Tree

- the christmas tree depicts the celebration of this event. We move from the root to the top upwards, symbolizing our hope...as we expect the birth of Christ. The Christmas Tree is also called the Tree of Jesse and normally, at the top of the tree, we will place and ornate 'star' which is the Star of David.

4. Gifts

- Christmas presents are given in memory of God's gift that first Christmas when God gave His only son. Thus, we gift to SHARE the gifts of the GIVER.(not suka-suka)

5. Carols

- Carols tell the story of the Nativity in music and songs.

Other symbols during Christmas

1. The Christmas cake, pudding and turkey has no link to Christmas. It is just a sign of celebration(elsewhere) that has taken root into our own celebration of Christmas.

2. Santa Claus is not related to the Bible. However, Father Chris noted that it is a sign of happiness especially among the children when they receive the gifts.

3. The greeting "MERRY CHRISTMAS" means 'Christ-giving celebration'. Thus, when wishing others, use 'Merry Christmas' and not 'Season Greetings' or 'X-Mas' which has no ties to the true meaning of the celebration.

Thank you Father Chris and let us all prepare ourselves for the first Sunday of Advent!