Long before Jesus was born, the world was preparing for Him. Prophets and holy people of the Old Testament explained that God loved mankind, and that one day God Himself would come to show men exactly what love meant. Men and women waited and prepared for His arrival which came at the first Christmas.
Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. It is a season which represents the years in which the world was preparing for the coming of the Son of God. We use those weeks to prepare ourselves to celebrate His joyful birthday. At Christmas we want Him to be born once more in our hearts.
What is an Advent Wreath?
An Advent Wreath is a circle of evergreens with three purple candles and one rose candle around its edge and a fifth white candle in the center. Each part of the wreath has a special meaning.
The circular wreath has no beginning and no end. It serves as a reminder that God has no beginning and no end. He lived before there was a world; He lives in Jesus: He lives now and always will live.
The wreath is made of evergreens. They stay green all year never losing their needles. Since they are always alive, they are a reminder that people who love God will not only live their lives now, but will live eternally with Him.
The candles represent the four weeks in Advent. One candle is lighted the first Sunday in Advent and an additional one each Sunday thereafter. Candles are burned to give light. The additional one is lighted each week to show that the light of Jesus’ love and joy is shining brighter into the darkness of hatred and evil the nearer we come to His birthday. Finally on Christmas Eve, the white candle is lighted to show that the light of Jesus Christ has come into the world. Purple is the Church’s color for penitence and preparation. The fourth candle is rose for joy (lit the 3rd week). The white candle is the Church’s color for purity.
Suggested bible passages, prayers and songs are read and sung each week as the appropriate candles are lit.
I have my own Advent wreath at home that I have used for many years. This has always made the Christmas season more meaningful for me.
Christmas is a time to enjoy God's presence more than presents!
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