Who Am I Quest Blog

Before the 7^th Century in Western Europe Advent was not a cosy countdown to Christmas.  Its observance was closer to Lent with restraint, fasting, penitence and an inner preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.  Advent then started on November 11^th and like Lent, it was 40 days.  It was a deliberate slowing of life in readiness for something sacred to arrive.

This 40-day penitence is still the case in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, where the preparation for Christ’s coming is abstinence, almsgiving and fasting which gradually increases the closer it gets to Christmas day.

I am actually writing this on December 14^th, Gaudete, the third Sunday of Advent which was traditionally the one day when the strictness softened and joy was allowed to surface in the middle of restraint. Churches still sometimes mark this by lighting a pink candle, a sign that light is near, even if the waiting is not yet complete.

This was very much about preparation, clearing the space for Chr...