Advent Sunday is a significant day in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of the Advent season. It is the first of four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, and it symbolizes the anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of Advent Sunday, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Advent Sunday is defined as the first Sunday of the Advent season, which is a period of four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a time of preparation and anticipation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Origin
The origin of Advent Sunday can be traced back to the early Christian church, where it was observed as a time of fasting and penance in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. In the Middle Ages, the Advent season was extended to four weeks, and the focus shifted to the anticipation of the coming of Christ.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, Advent Sunday is defined as “the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the Christian year and the preparation for Christmas.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the first Sunday of Advent, observed as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christmas.”
Associations
Advent Sunday is associated with the lighting of the first candle of the Advent wreath, which symbolizes hope. It is also associated with the reading of the Advent scriptures and the singing of Advent hymns.
Synonyms
Synonyms of Advent Sunday include the First Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Hope, and the Sunday of Expectation.
Antonyms
Antonyms of Advent Sunday could include any day that is not the first Sunday of Advent or any day that does not involve the anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christmas.
The same root words
The root word of Advent Sunday is “advent,” which comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming” or “arrival.” The word “Sunday” comes from the Old English word “Sunnandæg,” which means “day of the sun.”
Example Sentences
- Advent Sunday is the beginning of the Advent season and marks the start of the countdown to Christmas.
- On Advent Sunday, we light the first candle of the Advent wreath and read the scriptures that remind us of the coming of Christ.
- Advent Sunday is a time of reflection and preparation as we anticipate the birth of Jesus Christ.
- The traditions of Advent Sunday vary from church to church, but they all share the common theme of hope and expectation.
- The observance of Advent Sunday dates back to the early Christian church and has been an important part of the Christian calendar ever since.