What is Advent???

The word 'advent' is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. The Christian season of Advent is a season of preparation. For the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, we thank God for Christ's first coming and prepare for His second coming! For more on the history of advent and all of the "technical" aspects you should check out www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html

So, now you're all wondering about the wreath -right? You know, the one I posted a picture of earlier... The Advent Wreat is the most widely recognized symbol of Advent. I'm sure you have all seen the sets of purple and pink candles during the Christmas season. But just so you'll know, I'm going to tell you all about it!

The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles (traditionally 3 purple, 1 pink) stand around the circle, each representing one if the four Sundays of Advent. In the center is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle which is lit on Christmas Day.

Advent worship in our home can be likened to a journey through the Christmas Story, each candle symbolizing a theme or part of the Christmas Story. The first Sunday of Advent (12/2/07) a purple candle representing HOPE (or Prophecy) is lit. On the second Sunday of Advent (12/9/07) the first candle is re-lit and the second purple candle representing PEACE (or Bethlehem) is lit. On the third Sunday of Advent (12/16/07) the first two candles are re-lit and the third candle - the pink one - representing JOY (or Shepherds) is lit. Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent (12/23/07) the first three candles are lit and the last purple candle representing LOVE (or Angels) is lit. All four outer candles are now lit! On Christmas Day the four outer candles are lit and finally the white Christ candle can be lit representing the Birth of the Savior!

So there you have it! I will be posting in the future about the individual Sundays of Advent so be sure to check back often!