Advent

Celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to welcome Christmas into your heart and home.

The word Advent means "arrival". Christmas time is a season of preparing for the coming of something......or Someone. It is a time specifically set aside to ready our hearts to receive Christ, the coming King.

As Christmas nears it seems that our days get fuller. Our time is consumed with countless holiday chores, shopping, cooking, entertaining. Before we know it everything begins to run together in a blur. Advent is a way to pause and reflect on the wonderful news that God has given the world a Savior.

An advent wreath is traditionally made of evergreens symbolizing God's eternal love. Four candles - three purple and one pink - are arranged around the wreath. A white candle is placed in the center of the wreath. Each candle represents something and is to be lighted at specific times.

Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Some families gather every night for activities and others just on Sunday. My family gathers every night. We always have a devotion and pray together. Sometimes we sing or make a craft, the possibilities are endless.

Week one - The Candle of Hope. This represents the promise of a Savior. A good passage to read before lighting one purple candle for hope is Isaiah 9:6-7

Week two - The Candle of Peace. This represents the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:1-5. Light two purple candles this week for hope and peace.

Week three - The Candle of Joy. This represents the tidings of great joy the angels announced to the shepherds. Luke 2:8-14. Light three purple candles for hope, peace and joy.

Week Four - The Candle of Love. This represents God's love for the world when He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16 and Luke 2:15-20. Light three purple candles for hope, peace and joy and light the pink candle for love.

Christmas Eve - The White Christmas Candle. This represents Jesus Christ as the Light of the World. Isaiah 9:2 and John 8:12. Light all candles.

So instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Find a perfect resting place, renew your spirit and transform this year's Christmas celebration into the best ever.