Gospel in Art: First Sunday of Advent

Weihnachts-Kalender, Im Lande des Christkinds, drawn and issued by Richard Ernst Kepler, Colour print on cardboard paper, Issued in 1903

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 30 November 2025
Matthew 24:37-44

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples: 'For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.'

Reflection on the Vintage Advent Calendar

And so we come to the first day of Advent. In its origins, this four-week period known as Advent (from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming") began as a time of preparation for early converts to Christianity who were preparing for their baptism. Over the centuries, it evolved into the season we now know: a sacred time of expectant waiting for the birth of Our Lord. It also marks the beginning of our new Liturgical Year.

Today's artwork is an Advent calendar dating from 1903. The tradition of the Advent calendar can be traced back to the mid-19th century, particularly in the Protestant regions of Germany. Religious families would mark the days of December by drawing a chalk line on the wall or lighting a candle for each day until Christmas Eve. Some families even hung one devotional picture per day as a visual countdown to Christ's coming.

Soon this practice evolved into printed calendars that could be hung in the home. By the early 1900s, these calendars included small hinged doors, each revealing a Scripture verse or holy image when opened. It wasn't long before the custom developed further, with children being delighted to find small chocolates, pictures, or prayers tucked behind the flaps.

The tradition almost disappeared during the Second World War when cardboard was rationed and the Nazi regime prohibited the printing of religious images. But in 1946 production began again, and Advent calendars quickly spread across Europe and beyond. One doesn't see these Advent calendars very often in our shops anymore. And when Advent calendars do appear, they are so often completely secularised, reduced simply to selling chocolates, beauty products, or toys, rather than inviting us to open little doors that reveal a verse of Scripture, a prayer, or a glimpse of the mystery we are preparing to celebrate.

I remember clearly, as a child, having such an Advent calendar at home. It was thrilling each morning to wake up, rush over, and open that day's little door - and yes, to discover the chocolate inside (I have to admit!). It remains a beautiful way of involving children in the journey towards Christmas, helping them count the days until the light of Christ breaks into our world once again.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-24-37-44-2025/
and
Video: The Art of Remembrance - From The Monuments Men to The Last Post: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/53644