Come join us as we look at Advent – the time leading up to the anticipation of Christ’s birth and, also, the second coming of Christ.
Advent started (as well as can be determined) in the late 4th century. It is considered a time of reflecting on how to prepare one’s heart and home for Christ’s birth. The focus for faith communities and families is to remember, through prayer, reflection, special music (could that be where we got cantatas during the Christmas season?), and good deeds, what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. It once included fasting three days a week, but most modern churches have dropped that tradition.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent will be observed beginning Sunday, November 27, 2022, and end Saturday, December 24, 2022. Each week has a different focus which is highlighted by the lighting of candles symbolizing hope, love, joy, and peace. Many modern advent observances include a 5th candle which represents the purity of Christ, our sinless, pure Savior.
Most Christian churches celebrate Advent by having an Advent Wreath where one candle is lit each week, along with Liturgical readings. Many families celebrate Advent in their own homes. Readings for both settings can be found with an Internet search.
Let’s look at what goes into an Advent Wreath. First, start with a wreath.
The wreath is made with evergreens which symbolize everlasting life found in Christ. The circle shape of the wreath reminds one that God’s love is unending, that through Christ, one has eternal life, and of the eternity of God.
Some choices for the wreath include:
All candles are added to the wreath at once, but only one is lit each week on the Sunday of that week.
The first candle is purple, represents HOPE – for the anticipated coming of the Messiah. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle,” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isiah who foretold the birth of Christ. Purple is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.
The second candle is also purple and represents FAITH. It may be referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle,” as a reminder of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
The third candle is pink and represents JOY. Often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” who were the first to whom the birth of Christ was announced, it reminds one of the joy the world felt at Jesus’ birth.
The fourth candle is purple, as well, and symbolizes PEACE. It may be referred to as the “Angel’s Candle” who came to proclaim the birth of Christ. It marks the final week of prayer and penance.
A modern adaptation of the wreath added a fifth candle, which is white, is placed in the center of the wreath, and whose color was chosen to represent the purity of Christ, who lived a sinless life. It is lit on Christmas Eve.
Many tutorials are available that show how to make one. This was one of my favorites. It’s to the point without a lot of extraneous talking. (I want a kitchen like hers!)
Of course, many observe the Advent of Christmas by starting a countdown on the first day of December where a small token is opened each day until Christmas day. This can be done in so many ways. The possibilities are endless. The gifts can be as small or as elaborate as one wants. The focus can be simply counting the days until Christmas or of events leading to the birth of Christ. I have one that tells the story of Christ’s birth Each day a small ornament is hung until on Christmas day, Jesus in the manger is hung.
We’ll take a look at Advent celebrations that start on December 1st tomorrow.
How do you observe Advent? Is it a part of your celebration? Do you have pictures you’d like to share?
Merry Christmas and Happy Advent celebrating!
Advent started (as well as can be determined) in the late 4th century. It is considered a time of reflecting on how to prepare one’s heart and home for Christ’s birth. The focus for faith communities and families is to remember, through prayer, reflection, special music (could that be where we got cantatas during the Christmas season?), and good deeds, what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is. It once included fasting three days a week, but most modern churches have dropped that tradition.
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, Advent will be observed beginning Sunday, November 27, 2022, and end Saturday, December 24, 2022. Each week has a different focus which is highlighted by the lighting of candles symbolizing hope, love, joy, and peace. Many modern advent observances include a 5th candle which represents the purity of Christ, our sinless, pure Savior.
Most Christian churches celebrate Advent by having an Advent Wreath where one candle is lit each week, along with Liturgical readings. Many families celebrate Advent in their own homes. Readings for both settings can be found with an Internet search.
Let’s look at what goes into an Advent Wreath. First, start with a wreath.
The wreath is made with evergreens which symbolize everlasting life found in Christ. The circle shape of the wreath reminds one that God’s love is unending, that through Christ, one has eternal life, and of the eternity of God.
Some choices for the wreath include:
- Laurel which symbolizes victory over persecution and suffering.
- Pine, holly, yew which signify immortality.
- Cedar which symbolizes strength and healing.
- Pinecones, representing life and resurrection.
All candles are added to the wreath at once, but only one is lit each week on the Sunday of that week.
The first candle is purple, represents HOPE – for the anticipated coming of the Messiah. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle,” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isiah who foretold the birth of Christ. Purple is a liturgical color that signifies a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice.
The second candle is also purple and represents FAITH. It may be referred to as the “Bethlehem Candle,” as a reminder of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem.
The third candle is pink and represents JOY. Often called the “Shepherd’s Candle,” who were the first to whom the birth of Christ was announced, it reminds one of the joy the world felt at Jesus’ birth.
The fourth candle is purple, as well, and symbolizes PEACE. It may be referred to as the “Angel’s Candle” who came to proclaim the birth of Christ. It marks the final week of prayer and penance.
A modern adaptation of the wreath added a fifth candle, which is white, is placed in the center of the wreath, and whose color was chosen to represent the purity of Christ, who lived a sinless life. It is lit on Christmas Eve.
Many tutorials are available that show how to make one. This was one of my favorites. It’s to the point without a lot of extraneous talking. (I want a kitchen like hers!)
Of course, many observe the Advent of Christmas by starting a countdown on the first day of December where a small token is opened each day until Christmas day. This can be done in so many ways. The possibilities are endless. The gifts can be as small or as elaborate as one wants. The focus can be simply counting the days until Christmas or of events leading to the birth of Christ. I have one that tells the story of Christ’s birth Each day a small ornament is hung until on Christmas day, Jesus in the manger is hung.
We’ll take a look at Advent celebrations that start on December 1st tomorrow.
How do you observe Advent? Is it a part of your celebration? Do you have pictures you’d like to share?
Merry Christmas and Happy Advent celebrating!
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