Faith

Advent

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, December 2nd and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). 

Advent Wreath

Many people celebrate Advent by lighting the candles of an Advent wreath each day, accompanied by a prayer. One candle for Week 1, two candles for Week 2, and so on. The wreath comprises three purple candles and one rose-coloured, for the joyful Third Week of Advent. They are set in a circle of evergreen leaves, symbolising God’s endless life and love. A fifth candle, a white ‘Christ’ candle, may be placed in the centre to be lit at Christmas. The gradual lighting of the candles represents the increasing light of Christ as his coming draws near.

In the first week of Advent we are reminded to ‘stay awake’ and ready for the coming of Jesus.  As we light the first candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of our world.  May we always be ready to welcome him into our lives. 

Prayer

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.

Suzanne Deefholts

Religious Education Leader