today is celebrated as the first Sunday in Advent for the vast majority of Christians, the start of the season in which we look toward the return of Jesus at the end of time as we prepare to celebrate his birth on Christmas.
Advent calendars or other forms of counting the days between December 1st and Christmas are a relatively recent innovation. The calendars were invented in Germany in the mid-19th century, and were popularized by pictures of Pres. Eisenhower's grandchildren playing with one.
So thank Ike for freeways, the term "military-industrial complex," Advent calendars and dorky jackets. Also winning World War II.
Thank you, President Eisenhower.
Anyway, the newest wrinkle is online Advent calendars. You can see examples at:
- the
Episcopal Diocese of Washington (don't forget to check out the
blog while you're there)
- the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance has an "Advent in a time of AIDS" calendar
- the TimesOnline blog Faith Central, from whom I stole this image:
Notice how the kings have removed their crowns in respect for the baby Jesus. It's like a prayer in stitching*.
Hey, that's not a bad idea.