We are celebrating the four weeks of Advent with services as Christians that reflect the meaning of Advent by lighting a candle each week during the services to reflect the themes that prepare for the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ. The first candle reflects Hope it is called the Prophecy Candle.

I will share with you this from mercyhome.org Advent is a period of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas, marking the four Sundays before December 25th. Each week of Advent emphasizes themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love, helping us prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas.

The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” For Christians, Advent is an important part of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. During this time, Christians engage in reflection, prayer, and spiritual preparation, often observing traditions like lighting an Advent candle

.What is an Advent wreath?

The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas. An Advent wreath is typically made of evergreen branches and holds four candles, each representing one of the four weeks of Advent.

Where do I place an Advent wreath?

An Advent wreath is typically placed in a central or prominent place in your home — such as a mantel or the dinner table — where you, your family, and your guests can enjoy it and take time to reflect. When does Advent begin?

Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before the celebration of Christmas and ends at sunset on Christmas Eve (December 24th).

The Symbolism & Tradition Behind the Advent Wreath

What does the Advent wreath symbolize?

The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. The wreath itself, which is made of various kinds of evergreens, signifies continuous life.

Even the individual evergreens that make up the wreath have their own meanings to our faith:

Laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering

Pine, holly, and yew signify immortality

Cedar signifies strength and healing

Pine cones that decorate the wreath symbolize life and resurrection.

The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.

What do the candles on an Advent wreath represent?

The four candles on the Advent wreath represent the light of Christ entering the world. One candle is lit each Sunday, marking the progression of the four weeks of Advent.

What do the colors of the candles represent?

Three candles are purple, and lit on the first, second, and fourth Sundays of Advent. They represent a time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, and spiritual reflection.

The fourth candle is pink, and lit on the third Sunday of Advent. This candle represents joy, and marks a shift in the tone of Advent from penitential reflection to joyful anticipation, inviting believers to rejoice as Christmas draws nearer.

What are the names of each Advent candle?

Each candle represents a theme for each week of Advent — hope, peace, joy, and love.

The First Candle, called the Prophecy Candle, represents hope and the anticipation of Christ’s coming, recalling the prophecies about the Messiah and the hope He brings to the world.

The Second Candle, called the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizes peace and preparation, reflecting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and the peace that Christ’s birth brings.

The Third Candle (this is the pink candle), is called the Shepherd’s Candle, and represents the joy felt at the birth of our Lord, as well as the joy we have in anticipation of His return.

The Fourth Candle, called the Angel’s Candle, symbolizes love and the message of God’s love that the angels announced at Christ’s birth.

As we prepare for arrival of the Lord ,May we all reflect with Joy the Ultimate Gift that the Lord Gave us. I Hope you are all at Peace and Celebrate with Joy the birth of our Savior.

While the Bible doesn't say anything about observing the tradition of Advent, this tradition has existed within the global Christian church for centuries. It is nearly as old as the church itself, with the earliest mentions of the tradition happening as early as 380 AD at the Council of Saragossa.-Abridged NIV NOTES

This past Sunday was the first service of Advent and many churches read from the old Testament

1st Sunday of Advent: Hope - Isaiah 9:2-6

For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.--- NIV

The Birth of Christ and Anticipation of that Arrival Gives us as Believers Hope. Which leads to Peace and preparation in week two then Joy in week three and finally Love in week four.

Enjoy the weeks and the Month as you are about to receive the Greatest Gift from the Lord .

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