The Rev. Linda LaGroix
So… what is Advent?
The season of Advent marks the start of the Christian year. It is celebrated during the four weeks before Christmas, where we live in expectation and preparation as the Christian Church looks forward to celebrating the birth of Christ.
Although it is a season of preparation, the characteristic note of Advent is expectation. Commercial pressure has made it harder to keep a sense of alert watchfulness in our anticipation of Christmas but, for many Christians, our preparation for the coming of Christ, God Among Us, is a powerful reminder of the real meaning of the coming season.
In Canada, Advent falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work. Many churches use an “Advent wreath” of candles to mark the Sundays of Advent, lighting a new candle each week with an appropriate prayer.
In some Anglican churches the focus is on the patriarchs and prophets who predict humanity’s salvation, then on John the Baptist, then finally on Mary as she prepares to give birth to the Saviour.
In St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Ashcroft, we blend these ideas with the traditional meaning of the five candles on the wreath:
The first Advent Candle is purple or blue for Hope and the Patriarchs, God’s chosen people, and is like a light shining in a dark place.
The second Advent Candle is purple or blue for Peace and the Old Testament prophets as we pray for peace throughout the Earth.
The third Advent Candle is pink for Joy and for John the Baptist, symbolising the Joy we experience as this gift of new life is announced to us by John.
The fourth Advent Candle is purple or blue for the Love that God sheds on us by the presence of Jesus the Messiah come to be with us, as well as for the willingness of Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
The fifth candle is white, and is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is called the “Christ Candle”; the Light of the World come to be with us.
As Advent wreaths were traditionally for home use, we will be creating our own simple wreaths to take home and use for our quiet time during Advent.
Blessings as you travel together in this time. May you sense the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of God with us.
