Advent Season
“Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming.” Adventus signifies the approach of someone of dignity, power, and glory, someone who has the power to bestow favor or exact penalties. The coming of God’s Son is, par excellence, such an adventus.
The season of Advent points to the past, present, and future. We remember the coming of Christ in Bethlehem. Once He came for us. We rehearse the coming of Christ into our lives today — through Word and Sacrament. Now He comes to us. We reflect on the coming of Christ at the end of the world. Yet He will come for us.
Advent takes seriously the call to prepare and be ready for Christ’s coming. God’s people know how much Christ’s coming means. They take time to examine their hearts, and learn anew their need for Him.
Advent Colors
The colors of Advent are purple and blue. The ancient tradition of purple symbolizes Advent’s emphasis on repentance, signaled by John the Baptizer’s call, “make straight the way of the Lord.” More recently, the use of blue signifies hope, as the people of God look forward to Christ’s coming.
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is probably the most popular symbol of Advent. It is of a domestic origin, yet it is used in many churches today. The bright candles dominate the wreath, symbols of the Light of the World who overcomes the darkness of sin. The candles, lit week by week, most often consist of three purple or blue candles, one pink, and one white. The pink one, lit on the third Sunday in Advent, is the “Rejoice” candle. The white one, lit on Christmas Eve, is the Christ Candle. The evergreen of the wreath symbolizes the everlasting life found in Christ. The sequential lighting of the wreath, whether in the center of the congregation or the family gathering, leads us to Christmas.
Prophecy Candle – announces the waiting period that anticipates Christmas and honors those who first spoke the promise of the Christ Child. Their words sparked hope in the hearts of the faithful, and remind us of God’s promises of old.
Bethlehem Candle – a symbol of the preparations being made to receive and cradle the Christ Child. May our hearts, through prayer and devotion be ready to receive the Good News.
Shepherds’ Candle – honors those who were the first to share the Good News. We continue to share the Good News in word and song as we rejoice in the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day.
Angels’ Candle – is the candle of joy and love – a reminder of the good News that God has graced the world forever in the birth of His Son. The angels announced “God is with us” to Mary, the shepherds, and those at the empty tomb. God announces “He is with us” by the power of the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament.
Christ Candle – is lit on Christmas Eve and burns also on Christmas Day. It is placed in the center of the wreath reminding us that Christ is in the center of the Christian’s life.