It is the Advent Season Now: Origins and History

Editor’s note: The author of this series is from Hong Kong, and is an author and teacher who serves the mainland Chinese church. Written while she was studying and serving in the United States, it offers a thorough and useful explanation of Advent. It is a good resource for helping Chinese friends, seekers, and young Christians understand many of traditional meanings and symbols they encounter at Christmas, and can help connect them to the historic global church. For other articles in this series on advent, please see the following: Tradition & FaithSymbolism, and Tools for Advent at Home.

If we trace history, we find that although there is evidence of the 2nd century church celebrating Christ’s resurrection around Easter time (and arguably such tradition could have started in the Apostolic era), there is nonetheless no record of the Church celebrating the birth of Christ during the first four centuries. The absence of Christmas celebration in the early church is perhaps not difficult to understand. Simply put, no one knows exactly when Christ was born. That Christ was born in AD 1 was actually calculated (or miscalculated) by Dionysius in AD 525, based on insufficient historical data.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we learn that when Christ was born, Herod the Great was still alive. But according to some historical records (for example those of the Jewish historian, Josephus), Herod the Great died in 4 BC. Scholars today generally agree that Christ was most likely to be born sometime between 4 or 5 BC. Also, Jesus could not have been born on December 25. In the Gospel of Luke, we learn that when Jesus was born, there were shepherds watching their flocks in the field. In late December, the weather in Palestine neither has pasture for the flocks nor allows one to stay in the field overnight. Given the fact that in an agricultural society, a census was usually done after harvest, scholars believe that Jesus was more likely to be born sometime in September.  

That Jesus was born on December 25 was only a legend made popular in the mid 4th century, perhaps by Pope Liberius, and it was recognized only by the Western church about a century or so later. The Eastern church, on the other hand, celebrated the birth of Christ on January 6, traditionally known as Epiphany.

Epiphany (meaning the revealing or appearance) is not a celebration of a specific event in the life of Christ on earth. Rather it is about a specific aspect of Christ’s life and ministry on earth – the manifestation of his divine glory and status. Several themes and events were thus associated with it and celebrated together: the manifestation of his divine sonship as revealed in his baptism, the manifestation of his kingship as indicated by the visits of the Magi, and the first revelation of his glory at the wedding of Cana. Evidence of the early church celebrating Epiphany, also known as Three King’s Day,  can be dated to the 2nd century in the writings of Pope Clement. It was mainly celebrated in the Eastern (Greek-speaking) part of the Roman Empire. Although Epiphany was the earliest annual celebration in the church associated directly with Christ’s incarnation, nativity was nonetheless not part of the theme and was only added to it later. One thing needs to be noted here. Contrary to the nativity scene most contemporary crèches indicate, the magi did not show up with the shepherds in the manger on the night of Christ’s birth, but instead arrived about two years later. This is evidenced by the fact that King Herod ordered all baby boys “two years old or under” (Matt 2: 16) to be killed. As you may recall, when the Magi found Jesus, baby Jesus and his mother were no longer staying in a manger, but in a “house” (Matt 2: 11). Perhaps this explains why Epiphany in the beginning included the visit of Magi but not the nativity.

Epiphany was celebrated in many ways: it was a day of feasting (perhaps due to its association with the wedding feast of Cana, and the Old Testament tradition of the covenant community feasting before the presence of God); it was also a day for baptism (an association with the baptism of Christ); and today in the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is also a day of gift giving in memory of the Magi’s gifts to Christ. Although associating the nativity with Epiphany came a couple of centuries later, the Eastern church had nonetheless developed a custom of preparation for the Epiphany, which eventually became the tradition of Advent celebrated in the Western (Latin-speaking) church. Since Epiphany celebrates the manifestation of the Son of the Holy God’s glory among men, the early church deemed it necessary to prepare believers’ hearts for the reception of the arrival of such glory. Later in the monastic practices, such preparation of hearts meant penitence and fasting. The same spirit was later adopted by the Western church in their Advent celebration.

It was not until the 4th century after Constantine made Christianity official that the celebration of Christmas on December 25 emerge. Today, church historians, Catholic and Protestant alike, generally share the belief that the Western church’s choice of December 25 as Christ’s birthday had less to do with historical accuracy than with counteracting the Roman pagan culture of the time. December 25 was celebrated by the Romans as the birthday of the Sun-god, Mithras, at the winter solstice. With Christianity being made official, the empire, [still culturally pagan], the church faced a challenge. Should all the pagan holidays and celebrations be banned or should they be replaced/redeemed with Christian meanings?  

Perhaps, following the footsteps of the great apostles, the church went for the second option. “The one whom you worship without knowing, him I proclaim to you” (Apostle Paul, Acts 17:23); “The Logos (the Word) that you Greeks believe was Jesus Christ, the very Son of God who was in the beginning with God and through him all things are made” (Apostle John, John 1:1). What the church said to the pagans was that the true light of the world, the real conqueror of darkness, was in fact Jesus Christ who was God but born in man.  

Another reason that the 4th century church felt it necessary to celebrate the birth of Christ might have to do with the church’s effort to resist the Nicene heresy of Arianism (325 AD), which denied the divinity of Christ and claimed that Christ was no more than an exalted man, created, not begotten. As the battle moved on, it became natural and necessary to include the birth of Christ as part of the Church’s annual celebrations, as many church historians (e.g., Philip Schaff) have concluded.  

Now the Eastern and Western churches had separate days to celebrate Christmas, and since the two days are very close to each other, there then were the twelve days of Christmas from December 15 to January 6. In church tradition, Christmas officially ends on January 6, Epiphany.   Most Reformed churches on the European continent retain the tradition of celebrating all of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. During the Advent season, only Advent hymns are sung in the church. Christmas carols are sung from Christmas Day to Epiphany. Our Trinity Hymnal also makes a clear distinction between Advent hymns and Nativity hymns.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

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Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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