Advent is the season that marks the beginning of the Christian church year.
It starts on the Sunday nearest St. Andrew's Day (November 30),
and it continues until Christmas Eve (December 24).
The term comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming or arrival.
The season is one of preparation for the celebration of the feast of the Nativity of
Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
The origins of the Advent calendar come from German Lutherans who,
at least as early as the beginning of the 19th century, would count down from 24
to the days of Advent physically. Often this meant simply drawing a chalk line
on the door each day, beginning on December 1. Some families had more elaborate
means of marking the days, such as lighting a new candle
(perhaps the genesis of today's Advent wreath) or hanging a little religious picture
on the wall each day.
The traditional calendar consists of two pieces of cardboard on top of each other.
Twenty four doors are cut out in the top layer, with a number ranging from one to twenty
four on each. Beginning on the first day of December, one door is opened each day,
counting down the days remaining until Christmas Eve, from twenty four to one.
Each compartment displays an image, which can be either a feature of the Nativity story
and the birth of Jesus or a piece of paraphernalia to do with Christmas (e.g., bells or holly).
Elkhorn-Waterloo Assembly #38 and Luna Chapter #169 have made their own Advent Calendar for you.
Each day from December 1, to December 25, a new treat will be added. Just click on the calendar below
to open a suprise for that day. It might be a story, song, story, some history, recipe, or
a fun Christmas activity. Please visit us often to see our Christmas wishes for you.
December 2008 
