When Did Christians Begin Advent Celebrations?

Film Focus: This brief and informative video discusses the history and traditions of the celebration of the season of Advent.

Text Focus: Pages 142–144

Discussion Questions:

1. What is something new you learned about Advent traditions from this video?
2.  What Advent celebrations does your family participate in each year?
3. How were the dates for Easter and Christmas chosen?
4. What happened at the Council of Saragossa that led to early Advent celebrations?
5. Where does the word “Advent” originate? How did it come to refer to the period before Christmas?
6. In your experience, has Advent helped you to focus upon the real meaning of Christmas? If so, what do you do that you think has been most helpful? If not, what do you think you could add to make the Advent and Christmas season more meaningful?

*Permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson has been granted by the producer.