Second Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent History

The Second Sunday of Advent is an important day in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is the second of four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. It marks a time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation for the coming of Jesus Christ. The day is characterized by scriptural readings, prayers, and the lighting of the second candle on the Advent wreath, which symbolizes faith in Christian tradition.

The Advent season has its roots in the fourth century and has been observed in various forms throughout Christian history. For the Swedish people, the Second Sunday of Advent holds particular significance due to the strong Lutheran tradition in the country and its close connection to various customs and cultural practices. In Sweden, the period leading up to Christmas, known as Jul, has been celebrated since pre-Christian times, and the incorporation of Advent adds a specifically Christian dimension to these traditional festivities.

In Sweden, the Second Sunday of Advent is commemorated through attending church services, participating in prayers and hymns, and lighting the second candle on the Advent wreath. Many families also mark the day by baking traditional Swedish sweets, such as saffron buns and gingerbread cookies, which are often enjoyed together with a warm cup of glögg, a type of spiced mulled wine. The Second Sunday of Advent typically occurs in early December, with the Advent season beginning on the first Sunday of the month and concluding with Christmas.

Second Sunday of Advent facts

• Advent can be traced back to the 4th century when the church in France used the time as a preparation for Baptism. This time period was called St. Martin's Lent. It would last 40 days starting on November 11th.
• The Second Sunday of Advent deals with peace and hope. Readings during this week include discussions of hope and waiting together in harmony. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus... Romans 15:5
• Blue and purple are the traditional colors used in the sanctuary during Advent. Some consider blue to be the color of royalty and claim it is used to anticipate the coming of a King. Others see purple as signaling a time of penance and sacrifice.
• Traditional fika (a social coffee break) takes place around the lit candles, where Swedes gather with friends and family members to enjoy holiday treats such as gingerbread cookies, saffron buns, and mulled wine called glögg.
• Swedish households decorate their windows with beautiful paper and electric Advent stars and candelabras. These decorations brighten up the dark winter days and are a symbol of the belief that Jesus is the light of the world.

In the News and Trending in Sweden for Second Sunday of Advent

Top things to do in Sweden for Second Sunday of Advent

• Attend service. Themes for this week include peace, hope, and togetherness.
• Continue with your Advent calendar. Some calendars have little chocolates in them that you can enjoy each day.
• Swedish towns and cities are beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Take a walk through the streets to see holiday lights, ornaments, and window displays.
• Indulge in traditional Swedish Christmas dishes and sweets, such as saffron buns, gingerbread cookies, mulled wine (glögg), and the Julbord, a festive Christmas buffet.