Advent is one of my favorite times of year, Heraldians. The light of the evergreen-wreathed candles, the meditative O Antiphons, the anticipation and preparation for Jesus’ birth, all reinvigorate my spirit. Let’s start off the liturgical season with an Advent-centric quiz.
1) ADVENT TRADITIONS
The Jesse Tree is a wonderful Advent tradition for young and old alike. But, who was Jesse?
a) The father of St. Joseph
b) The father of King David
c) The father of Our Blessed Mother
d) The father of Abraham
2) ADVENT FIGURES
John the Baptist, the Great Proclaimer of Advent, is believed by some scholars to have been a member of what mystic Jewish community?
a) Pharisees
b) Gnostics
c) Essenes
d) Anabaptists
3) ADVENT LIGHT
Which of these virtues is NOT symbolized by one of the Advent wreath candles?
a) hope
b) love
c) joy
d) patience
4) ADVENT VOCABULARY
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning:
a) anticipation
b) penance
c) joy
d) arrival
5) ADVENT FEASTS
What church doctrine was officially defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX in the apostolic constitution “Ineffabilis Deus”?
a) transubstantiation
b) the Immaculate Conception
c) the virgin birth
d) papal infallibility
6) ADVENT HISTORY
What early church custom consisted of a 40-day fast and penitential period that began on the memorial of St. Martin of Tours (Nov. 11) and lasted until Christmas?
a) Adventus Quadraginta
b) Pentecost
c) St. Martin’s Lent
d) Candlemas
7) ADVENT MARIOLOGY
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Mary is given the title of “Theotokos,” which means:
a) “God-bearer”
b) “The Immaculate Conception”
c) “Cause of Our Salvation”
d) “Queen of Heaven”
8) ADVENT CUSTOMS
What saint is believed to have started the custom of the Nativity scene?
a) Teresa of Avila
b) Ignatius of Loyola
c) Benedict of Nursia
d) Francis of Assisi
Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) d, 4) d, 5) b, 6) c, 7) a, 8) d