Silver medal Advent - proof

The silver medal commemorates the festive season of Advent.

When we say Advent, most of us imagine a hectic period of hustle and bustle, full of cleaning, baking candy and buying gifts. We forget that the purpose of the four Sundays before Christmas should be primarily spiritual and that it should be, on the contrary, about slowing down and reflecting on previous year... The name Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, or coming, which is a reminder of the ancient birth of Jesus Christ and a foretelling of his future return. The earliest celebrations of Advent date back to the late 4th century AD and since then a number of customs have been developed - Christians have fasted, rosettes have been sung in churches, but one tradition has quickly eclipsed all others. The first Advent wreath was made in the 19th century by a German theologian for his children to put an end to their constant questioning about how much time was left until Christmas. But the successive lighting of the four candles on the wreath made of twigs has a much deeper meaning than a mere countdown - while the little flames represent the anticipated coming of Christ, who is a light in the darkness, the circular wreath symbolizes the infinite and eternal God, who has no beginning or end.

The obverse side of the silver medal, which is the work of medal maker Lenka Nebeská, DiS., presents the decorative inscription ADVENT that is surrounded by a holly wreath. The reverse side was dedicated by the author to four burning candles.

An integral part of the issue is the Czech gift wrapping, where the dedication can be written.