The Value of Christmas Wreaths

By Tony Ferraro


Christmas wreaths are very substantial during the Christmas season. They are traditionally hung on doors and windows, and even more than the mantle at dinner tables. The significance of these wreaths is some thing much more than as an ornament or decoration. Although this is the contemporary significance that's understood by numerous people, its meaning transcends deep into the Christian faith of both Catholics and Lutherans.

It's believed that the Catholics had been the ones who popularized the tradition of hanging Christmas wreaths on doors and that it is through them that the Lutherans also practiced the tradition. Christmas wreaths are also referred to as Advent wreaths. The name itself implies that the wreaths are utilized throughout the Advent season which is celebrated 4 weeks before Christmas day. The word "advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus" which indicates "coming". In the English dictionary, the word advent indicates "the arrival of some thing essential or awaited". This word, being used as a name for a season provides great significance.

Putting it all together, the Advent Season is celebrated as an anticipation of the most awaited arrival of Jesus Christ, who is sent by God the Father to save the human race from death brought about by sin. The Latin word "adventus" when translated in Greek is "parousia", which indicates second coming. Even with only this reality, it's not difficult to believe that the use of Advent wreaths takes deep root within the Christian faith.

Advent is really a season observed by many Western Christian churches. It's stated to be a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the Nativity of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The Nativity of Jesus, in Christian theology, will be the incarnation of Jesus within the human form, or in easier terms, the birth of Jesus into the human globe. Nevertheless, because the very first Coming of Jesus Christ had already occurred a long time ago, Advent is celebrated both as a commemoration of the very first Coming and anticipation of the Second Coming, which is on the coming Day of Judgment. For Catholics and Lutherans, the celebration of Advent serves as a reminder for each the original waiting that was carried out by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of the Christians for the return of Christ. The commemoration in itself is very substantial to the Christian faith since it reminds Christians of the things that Jesus Christ has carried out for the salvation of the globe. The anticipation of the Second Coming is equally significant since it reminds Christians that Jesus would come to the globe once more to wipe away wickedness from the face of the earth and establish His kingdom.

Moreover, the use of Christmas wreaths transcends tradition and that it is practiced not only because it is part of a custom or belief but since it is really a way of the Christians to show that they not only await but additionally anticipate in excitement for the Second Coming of the Lord.




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