Getting Started: The Advent Wreath

You might find it helpful to make or purchase an “advent wreath.” They can be found in many Christian bookstores and on-line shops in a variety of styles and prices. If you choose to make one, all you’ll need is some evergreen foliage (real or artificial, which you can round into the shape of a wreath), three purple candles, one red candle and one larger white candle. The colors and such from purchased wreaths may vary as different churches use different symbolism.

Explanation of the wreath:

The circle made by the wreath reminds us that God has no beginning and no end.

The green color is symbolic of life, in this case, eternal life.

The candles symbolize Christ as “light of the world.”

The space between the candles (which should be placed at “2, 4, 8 & 10” if the wreath were a clock face) represents the four centuries of waiting between Malachi’s prophecies and the birth of Christ.

The colors of the candles (which vary widely depending on church traditions) as we chose them are:
Purple: Royalty. Obviously symbolic of Christ being King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Red: Joy.
White (the candle placed in the center of the wreath): The “Christ candle,” white for His purity, and central location reminds us the “heart” of the message: Bringing light to the world.

Celebrating Advent in 2006

Advent.

You may have heard the word in church before but never really understood what is meant by it. The Season of Advent is a four-week focus on the anticipation of the Messiah’s birth and the hope that birth brings to the world.

The season is celebrated around the world in many denominations as a season of expectation and the hope that “people dwelling in darkness will see a great light.” It is a time to focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ with a joyous sense of excitement, both corporately as a Body of believers and also in our homes with family.

It is with that in mind that we wanted to give each of you a devotional guide that will equip you to enjoy this season with your family, and in turn, this will enhance our congregation’s worship this year as we come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

We hope you’ll find it worthwhile to slow down and spend time together as a family, engaging in the worldwide focus on the peace and joy of Advent. It’s our desire that this blog will be a helpful tool for you and that you will rejoice with us that “Mary bore a Son, called Him Jesus…and he saved the people from their sins!”

From all of us on the Crossroads staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you have an enjoyable Season of Advent!