The Season of Advent and Christmas
Advent (from the Latin, adventus, meaning “coming towards”) is a four-week season of preparation for Christmas.
The first Sunday of Advent (December 1st 2013) marks the beginning of the church’s year. Advent and Christmas both focus on the past – the coming of Jesus as an infant born into poverty in Bethlehem. They also focus on the future – the coming of Christ in glory to fulfill God’s loving purposes for humanity.
At St. Luke we are excited about sharing the anticipation and the joy of the birth of Christ. We will be together to rejoice in worship, marvel at the talents of our children and choirs and share the ritual of the Advent Wreath. From ancient times, one way to celebrate Advent – not only in church but also at home – is lighting candles on an Advent wreath. The wreath has been widely used as a symbol of life and hope. The lighted candles symbolize the light of Christ shining in the night, and the evergreens represent the new life that Christ brings into the world.
The Advent wreath is placed on a table or other surface. Four candles are placed inside or next to the greens in a circle; a fifth candle (the “Christ candle”) is at the center. Four of the candles are blue, symbolizing the darkness of the waiting time. The Christ candle is white, symbolizing daylight and celebration.
Sharing the Advent and Christmas seasons at home and with a faith community is beautiful way of living deeper into the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Have a blessed Advent and Christmas,
Rev. Dan