The Christmas season is once again upon us and with that comes the different ways the season is celebrated. Last year I was asked a question about advent and I honestly did not know the answer. As a Baptist, growing up we always had a Christmas program. What I remember most was always being the angel who delivered the good news to the shepherds. Over the years, we have put on various Christmas programs, pageants and cantatas. The last church I was a member of participated in the Advent Wreath. This would begin the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year I have been researched the subject and have plans of doing the Advent Wreath at home. Without getting into the history of advent, advent is a season that is focused on waiting. Waiting for the baby Jesus to be born in a manger. But the story doesn’t end there as we know. What else are we waiting for? Yes, His second coming to take us home. I want to prepare my heart for the season reflecting on the reason for this season. For Jesus is the reason for the season. To celebrate this Advent season is easy with the need of only a few things. I’ll break it down for you with their symbolises that I will be using.
The Advent Wreath
A basic wreath with four candle holders. The wreath is a symbol of eternity, eternal life with Christ
The Advent Candles
There are three purple taper candles, which symbolizes royalty. One pink taper candle, which symbolizes Jesus Christ the One who died on the cross for our sins. In the middle one white pillar candle, which symbolizes the purity of Christ.
Celebrating Advent
I feel it is important to say at this point; I am using this time to reflect on the Christmas story and preparing my heart for Christmas. There are different themes that you can go with but the same message in symbolism seems to remain the same in each. Hope, Peace and Love.
- December 1st – Hope – Prophecy Candle – We will light the first purple candle and reflect on the scriptures that prophecies the coming of the newborn king. Is. 9:6-7; Romans 15:12-13
- December 8th – Love – Bethlehem Candle – We will light the second purple candle and reflect on the scriptures that pertain to Bethlehem. Micah 5:2-4; Luke 2:1-6
- December 15th – Joy – Shepherd Candle – We will light the pink candle and reflect on the scriptures about the shepherds. Luke 2:15-20
- December 22nd – Peace – Angel Candle – We will light the third purple candle and reflect on the scriptures about the angels.Luke 2:7-15
- December 24th – Christ Candle – We will light the white pillar candle and reflect on the scriptures about Christ. Luke 2:25-32; John 3:16-21
What are the ways you celebrate the Advent season and Christmas?
In His Love, Crisi