|
| |
 Christians have referred to the four weeks before Christmas as Advent
Season for more than a thousand years. Advent season is used as a
time of thoughtful preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth.
Families are encouraged to consider this tradition of organizing their
personal and family schedule in a special way during this season as an
important part of their Christmas celebration. They aside a special
time each evening for lighting the Advent candles, reading the
Scripture, praying, and singing carols.
On the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the season begins. Each week
represents another theme: the first week the theme is watching, the
second week the theme is waiting, the third week the theme is
preparing and the final week the theme is trusting.
The Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen with five candles. A large
candle is placed in the center of the wreath with four smaller ones
placed around it. Traditionally, the candles for the first, second
and fourth Sundays are violet to symbolize our penitence and
preparation. The candle for the third Sunday before Christmas is pink
as a symbol of joy. The largest candle is white and is the center
candle (some people may wish to use a red or white candle in the
center). During the first week of Advent, the first candle is lit
each evening. During the second week, the first two candles are lit
each evening, and so on for the following weeks. The candle in the
center is lit on Christmas Eve.
The beauty of observing the days before Christmas is the opportunity
it gives to reflect on all the many spiritual joys of the season. It
is a special time of unity, celebration, and worship that focuses on
the coming of Christ and the joy He brings.
- By Pastor Richard Todd
|
