Merry Christmas everyone. Christmas is a time to celebrate! And the celebration of Advent brings the true meaning of Christmas to all of us.
Advent means “coming.” This is the season of preparation in which we Christians look forward to our Savior’s birth and express our hope in his 2nd coming. The tradition of Advent first came to the Christian church around 524 AD.
The Advent Wreath comes from German and Scandinavian traditions. The circled branches symbolize the Eternal Life found in Jesus Christ. Evergreens hanging in homes and the sanctuary mean that Christ is in the house and the Christmas Tree represents the Tree of Life.
Advent Candles are arranged with the wreath, symbolizing the coming of Jesus, the Living Light to the world. The tradition of lighting one more candle each week demonstrates the increasingly brighter light of His coming.
The blue candles are more contemporary and represent the joy that comes because of Jesus. The white candle is called, Christ’s Candle. Each blue candle has a different name and meaning each week: First week is the Prophets' Candle and represents the Hope that comes because of Jesus’ coming; Second week is Bethlehem’s Candle and represents the Peace that comes because of Jesus’ coming; Third week is Shepherd’s Candle and represents the Joy of the Good News of Jesus’ coming; Fourth week is Angels' Candle and represents the Love of God because of Jesus’ coming. *The white candle is lit at the Christmas Eve candle light service and represents the hope of every Christian because Jesus will come again.
Advent at Home can become a meaningful family celebration and tradition. Families are encouraged to use an Advent Wreath on their kitchen table at home to complement the Advent preparations at church. Candles are lit each time the family gathers to eat and a part of the Christmas story is read by different family members (one candle is lit the first week—two candles lit the second week—etc…). You can also pick up an Advent Calendar in Christian stores—each day has a scripture to read.
Advent Readings:
CLICK HERE for Advent Scripture Readings
*Showing the meaning of Christmas by sharing the love of Jesus with others at Christmas time is also a great family tradition. Giving gifts—feeding the poor—singing at a retirement center—living out the true meaning of Christmas will make this Christmas and the ones to come life-changing events and memories for you and your family.
Parents, be sure to include your kids in all aspects of the advent celebration: lighting candles, giving gifts, reading the Christmas story and more. Your kids will learn the true meaning of Christmas as you get them involved.
