Advent
Do you know what Advent is? You maybe heard it in church, or you may have an advent calendar (so you may think Advent= candy). Advent means arrival, as in waiting for Jesus’ coming. It also marks the beginning of the Christmas season. In some churches, there is an advent wreath, the circle symbolizes eternal life, the greens stand for victory, healing and strength.
Pay attention to the details: The candles stand for things too–three are purple and the third week’s is pink. The first week of Advent, the first candle is lit and it represents Hope, in connection to the prophets that told about Jesus’ coming. The second candle is for Faith, especially Mary and Joseph’s journey. The third week’s candle is pink, and stands for Joy, the joy felt by all people, the shepherds–joy at Jesus’ birth. The fourth week is for Peace, and reminds us to pray. A lot of Advent wreaths include a white candle in the middle–it’s lit on Christmas Eve to show Jesus’ birth, and it’s white to stand for Christ’s perfect, sinless purity.
Hope, Faith Joy, Peace. And Jesus.
13 I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (ERV)
Dear Lord, Help me to pay attention these next few days leading up to Christmas. Help me to see you in the details, even in things like candles and wreaths. Amen.
Winter Solstice
