The Meaning of Advent

Advent is the four-week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a season celebrated by Christians of all denominations. Advent prepares our hearts of a time of worship on Christmas day.

Advent is a time of remembrance and internal reflection about how we view Christmas in our hearts. The love God showed towards us is the love He wants us to share at Christmastime and the whole year round.

Advent means “the coming.” It is a time when we look forward to and anticipate the celebration of the Christmas season. During Advent season, we are given insight into the giving of God’s most precious gift to human beings, Jesus Christ. Advent can be celebrated at church and also in the home for a ceremony that just involves the family.

Advent season involves the lighting of candles in a wreath. The Advent candles can sit in a candleholder specifically designed to hold the five Advent candles or can be put into votive candleholders surrounded by a green garland wreath symbolizing the season.

Advent candelabras and wreaths range from the very expensive (used in large churches) to the affordable ones used in home celebrations. A family can construct their own Advent centerpiece so that it has the personal touch. The Advent candle setup is placed in a prominent spot in the room so that it can be a constant reminder of the miraculous birth we celebrate on Christmas Day.

Starting with the first Sunday of Advent, one candle is lit each Sunday representing the four virtues of the season: Faith, Joy, Hope, and Love. Different Christian publications list each virtue in a different order.

There are four main candles for Advent: Three blue or deep purple candles and one pink candle. The Advent portion of service usually involves a litany, a song, and the lighting of the candle. Parishioners are welcome to do additional readings on each virtue through the week to get ready for the following Sunday.

Advent can be celebrated at home also. Each night families can light the candle for that week’s virtue, read a scripture and say a prayer. Advent celebrations open up discussion between parents and kids about the real meaning of Christmas and the significance of Christ’s birth.

The last candle is usually the largest it is the white candle that fits in the center of all the others. It is called the Christ candle and is lit on Christmas Day. Some churches hold special services on Christmas and some do not. Everyone can light the final candle in their own homes as a celebration for the culmination of the Advent season.

This year make your Christmas season even more special with an observance of Advent.

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