Advent

Advent ˈad-ˌvent, chiefly British -vənt -  the first season of the church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

Advent is an older Christian tradition.  Advent has probably been observed since the fourth century AD. It was originally a time for converts to Christianity to get ready for baptism.  In the Middle Ages, Advent became associated with preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus.  Many Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus, although in the last fifty years it has also come to be thought of as a time of anticipating the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.  Remembering and celebrating the First Coming of Jesus helps us to look towards the Second Coming.  The practice of Advent is experiencing renewal in this country because of a desire for rituals that provide spiritual meaning in the midst of an increasingly secularized holiday season.

SYMBOLISM OF THE ADVENT WREATH
The wreath is usually made of some kind of evergreen.  Evergreens help us keep in mind the everlasting promise of God, specifically that some day he will come to set things right forever. Our hearts - which sometimes become brown and brittle like leaves in autumn - can be forever renewed by the coming King.  The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, and the gift of everlasting life offered by Jesus. Any pinecones or nuts used to decorate the wreath can also symbolize life and resurrection.

CANDLES:
Traditionally, five candles are used:  three purple, one pink, and one white “Christ” candle.  The candles are lit one by one each week (week one, first purple candle; week two, the first candle and one more purple candle; week three, the first purple candles and the pink candle; week four, the first three candles and the last purple; Christmas Eve or Day, all candles, ending with the white one.)  It is okay to use all purple candles and one white candle if that is what you can find.  Or all white.  Candle holders can be built into the wreath or purchased.

THEMES and PRACTICE:
Advent can have a variety of themes, with each week representing one value or story to be remembered.  Younger children find it easier to connect to the Christmas story rather than to abstract virtues, but you can experiment to see what resonates with you and those close to you.  It is common to begin with a liturgy (see below), following that with the lighting of the candle(s) and reading scripture and singing a song.  You can even do a craft (check on the web for ideas).  Some communities write their own liturgy.

First Candle
The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope.  It can also be called the “Prophets” candle.  This draws our attention to the anticipation of the coming Messiah – a story that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history.  Suggested scripture:  Isaiah 7:14; 9:2,6.  Song:  “ O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”  The mood is one of waiting and longing, of anticipation.

Second Candle
This candle can be the candle of Peace.  It can also be called the “Bethlehem” candle, highlighting Mary and Joseph’s journey to the stable.  Some traditions remember Mary and Joseph’s encounters with angels this week.  Suggested scripture:  Luke 2:1-7.  Song:  “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”  The mood is of one of seeking, journeying, with weariness but wonder.

Third Candle
The third candle is traditionally the candle of Joy.  It can also be called the “Shepherds” candle.  Suggested scripture:  Luke 2: 8-20.  Song:  “Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing.”

The rose-colored candle has special significance and is usually reserved for the third week of Advent.  It is a way of marking the halfway point – celebrating that we are halfway to our goal, the advent of Jesus. The pink or rose color is meant to symbolize our joy at the coming of Jesus.

Fourth Candle
The fourth candle can be the candle of Love.  It can also be the “Magi” candle, telling the story of the three wise men (who actually arrive after the birth, but still teach us about seeking).  Suggested scripture:  Matthew 2:1-12.  Song:  “We Three Kings.” 

The Christ Candle (white)
On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we finally get to the center candle, the white one.  The Christ Candle is in the center to remind us that the incarnation, the birth of Jesus, is the heart of the season and that Jesus, the Prince of Peace and King of Kings gives light to the world.  Our longings, for peace, justice, wholeness, and freedom, connect with hope of fulfillment in the birth of the Christ child.

A Rite for the Celebration of Advent at Home
The leader may begin by saying:
As our nights grow longer and our days grow short, 
we look on these earthly signs--light and green branches--
and remember God's promise to our world:
 Jesus, our Light and our Hope, will come.
 Listen to the words of Isaiah the prophet:

Isaiah 9:1-2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; on those who lived in a land as dark as death a light has dawned.
 You have increased their joy and given them gladness;
 They rejoice in your presence as those who rejoice at harvest, as warriors exult when dividing spoil.

Then all pray:
O God,
 rejoicing,
 we remember the promise of your Son.
 As the light from this candle, 
may the blessing of Jesus come upon us,
 brightening our way
 and guiding us by his truth.
 May Jesus our King bring life
 into the darkness of our world,
 and to us, as we wait for his coming.
Amen.

Then the first candle is lit.

Repeat on following Sundays of Advent, along with other theme/scriptures, and light the appropriate number of candles.

(written by Jim Martin and Jill Bekaert)

For more information on Advent, visit: http://ignatianspirituality.com/advent/