Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The dictionary defines “advent” as: 1) a coming into place, view or being; arrival. 2) The period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world. The Advent season is a time of waiting, reflection and anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
In today’s culture, consumerism is taking Christ’s place for the holidays as we focus on decorating, gifting and baking. Instead of anticipating, reflecting and waiting. The decorations, gifts and other traditions that we take part in during the holidays make Christmas fun end enjoyable. However, it is easy to get caught up in the commercialism and become stressed out and unhappy when our expectations aren’t met, and everything isn’t as perfect as we want it to be.
Taking the time to focus on the real reason we celebrate Christmas – the birth of our Savior – helps us to be Christ-focused instead of a materialistic, consumer driven focused. Advent season traditions help us do just that.
A traditional Advent wreath and candles is a great way to focus on the true meaning of the Christmas season.
The Tradition Weekly Themes of Advent are
- 1st Sunday: HOPE (purple candle) Isaiah 11:1-9
- 2nd Sunday: PEACE (purple candle) Isaiah 9:6-7
- 3rd Sunday: JOY (pink candle) Zechariah 9:9-10
- 4th Sunday: LOVE (purple candle) Isaiah 53
- Christmas – Christ candle (white)
Begin the first Sunday by reading scripture and lighting the Hope candle. The 2nd Sunday re-light the Hope candle, read the Peace scripture and light the Peace candle. The 3rd Sunday re-light the Hope and Peace candles, read the Joy scripture and light the pink candle. The 4th Sunday re-light the Hope, Peace and Joy candles and read the Joy scripture and light the Joy candle. Then on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, re-light the 4 candles and the White Christ Candle. then read the Christmas Story either from Luke 2 or Matthew 1. Our family tradition is to read Matthew 2:1-11 and say “and that is why we give gifts today.”
There are many ideas and suggestions for making the Advent and Christmas season more Christ-focused available on the internet. Find some things that resonates with you and incorporate them into your traditions and celebration. Take some time during the coming weeks to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the arrival of the One who would become the Savior of us all.
I love this Kathy. I know the meaning of Christmas, but I never knew about the purple pink and white candles. Thank you for posting ♥️