Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Advent


This week was the first week of Advent.
For those of you who may not know about the lighting of Advent candles, for the four Sundays before Christmas you light a candle, read a verse or two, possibly sing a song, and/or say a short prayer.

Each candle has a specific meaning.

1st CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF HOPE"
We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises he made to us. Our hope comes from God. (Romans 15:12-13)

2nd CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF PREPARATION"
Preparation means to 'get ready'. "Help us to be ready to welcome YOU, O GOD!" (Luke 3:4-6)

3rd CANDLE- (pink) "CANDLE OF JOY"
The angels sang a message of JOY! (Luke 2:7-15)

4th CANDLE- (purple) "CANDLE OF LOVE"
God sent his only Son to earth to save us, because he loves us! (John 3:16-17)

On Christmas Day you burn the "Christ Candle", signifying that Jesus has come!

5th CANDLE - (white) "CHRIST CANDLE"
The white candle reminds us that Jesus is the spotless lamb of God, sent to wash away our sins! His birth was for his death, his death was for our birth! (John 1:29 and John 3:1-8)

Josh and I remember the lighting of the Advent candles at church while we were growing up. Last year was the first year that we did it as a family tradition. I think it has become one of my favorites.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

So sweet! What a great family tradition that can be passed down all through your family.

TM said...

I remember having to light the advent candles in church, it was seen as a great honor to be selected to be the one to light them during each Sunday. This is a great idea to bring it into the home and make it a tradition and have everyone involved.