What is Advent?
(Sunday, December 1 – Tuesday, December 24)
During the four weeks of the Advent season, we meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice that brings us to repentance, and we anticipate his return. In the busyness of the Christmas season, celebrating Advent provides us a time to focus our hearts on Jesus.
Advent is a word with Latin roots and means “coming.” Christians use this period of time before Christmas to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s also a time of repentance and meditation while anticipating Jesus’ second coming.
Advent is a season rich in wonder as we focus on the incarnation of God. In Jesus, we have the divine God who left his glory to become the perfect example of a sinless man. He enlightens people and generates in them eternal life for those who believe and receive him in faith (The Beautiful Meaning Behind Each Advent Candle Color, Crosswalk.com).
Candles are traditionally lit from an Advent wreath or candles each week. Themed prayer and scriptures represent each of the four weeks leading to Christmas:
Week one: “Hope” Dec 1
Week two: “Peace” Dec 8
Week three: “Joy” Dec 15
Week four: “Love” Dec 22
