Advent
This Sunday begins the celebration of Advent.
I light one candle today in preparing for Christ’s birth and the season of Christmas. It symbolizes the knowing part of, A King Is Coming.
Christ has come, he is present in our world today, and he will come again in power.
The four candles are placed in a circular wreath which reminds us of God – no beginning and no end. A prayer is said as Advent is about prayer – unlike Lent which is about fasting and penitence.
The candles symbolize the light of God, through his son, Jesus Christ. The four outer candles represent the period of waiting.
1st candle – Hope (purple)
2nd candle – Love (purple)
3rd candle – Joy (purple or pink)
4th candle – Peace (purple)
A center white candle is optional and is white – the Christ candle. The prayer of Advent:
Come, O Come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel!
