Celebration of Advent

The Advent season is here!  In our church, we celebrate this by lighting a candle on the Advent wreath each Sunday until Christmas Eve.  I have so many fond memories of this which started when I was 7 years old.  As a child, when the Advent wreath came out at church, it meant Christmas was so close.  As an adult, I still get excited, but not for the same reasons.  Christmas is my favorite time of year and I love to reflect on the birth of my Savior.  

The first Sunday of Advent and the first candle we light on the wreath represents Hope.  

The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches representing eternity.   On the wreath, five candles are arranged.   Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles: three purple candles and one pink candle. In the center of the wreath sits a white candle. Together, these candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world. 

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is usually called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

compliments of the Graphics Fairy

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; 

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, 

and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

Week 2 ~ A   candle symbolizing God’s LOVE ~ This is sometimes called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolic of the manger.  God sent His only Son to earth to save us, He loved us that much. 

(see John 3:16-17)

Week 3 ~ A   candle is lit, symbolizing JOY  ~ This is sometimes called the Shepherds candle.  When Jesus was born, the angels brought “good tidings of great joy”.  

(see Luke 2:7-11)

Week 4 ~ A   candle symbolizing PEACE, sometimes called the Angels candle.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace and through Him, peace is found.  

(see Isaiah 9:6)

Christmas Eve – The center candle, called the Christ Candle.  The color white represents Jesus, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, sent to take away our sins. Those who receive Him as their Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.  

Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:29

Here are a couple resources in regards to the Advent Season.

Ann Voskamp has a lovely devotional series for Advent.
You can find it **here**

Advent Lessons - Teaching Through the Nativity

Sunday comments are closed.  I hope you have a blessed Advent season.