Sunday, December 2, 2018

We Celebrate Advent, which means Coming or Arrival

The tradition of Advent is 1400 years old and leads us to look forward to and to celebrate the birth of Christ. We are looking back to the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem and looking forward to the return of the Messiah, at at unknown time. Candles are a reminder of the light of the savior who was born into a dark world to bring us that light.
This angel is a cute representation of the powerful and holy angels who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Bethlehem,
The wise men or three Kings followed the star from their lands to Bethlehem when they learned that Christ was to be born.
Advent now officially begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day which is Advent Sunday and it ends at midnight on Christmas eve, December 24.
Many homes and churches have Advent wreaths with 4 candles. Three of the candles represent hope, peace and love and are often purple. The final candle is often red and represents the joy of new life offered to us by Christ's birth and sacrifice on the cross. Sometimes a fifth white candle is added which is lit on Christmas eve and symbolizes Christ's birth and that he is the "light of the world."
Do you have Advent traditions in your home?
I would like to hear about them. Terra Hangen

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