Advent

Tonight was the first night of Advent

We celebrated with fresh snow covered ground outside and our youngest child, Nikki, lighting the first purple candle right after my husband blessed our homemade advent wreath with the following prayer:

"We lift our soul to you, O Lord.  We look to the splendor of your evening skies to delight in the moon and stars.  In the darkness we see the promise of a new dawn, a time when all shall know you and see your glory."   Amen

For my readers unfamiliar with the history of the Advent Wreath it is speculated that the wreath is of Christian Germanic and Scandinavian roots.  The circular wreath made of evergreens with four or five candles (sometimes one in the center) represents the circle of the year and the life that endures through the winter.  The wreath is compromised of evergreen, candles, pine cones, nuts and seedpods.  Each of these has a meaning for advent. 

Laurel – siginifes victory over persecution and suffering

Pine, Holly, Yew and Greens – signify immortality.  Holly has a special Christian 

symbolism as the prickly leaves remind us of Christ’s Crown of Thorns.  

(I chose to leave this out as it’s poisonous to our cats!)

Cedar -  signifies strength and healing

Pine Cones and Seedpods – symbolize new life and resurretion

Accents – call us to worship and remind us of the joyous angelic announcement 

of Christ’s birth to the lowly sheperds. 

The Purple Candles – symbolize prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works 

undertaken at this time of Hope, Peace, Love and Joy.

The pink candle – symbolizes the anticipation to the coming of the Christ Child.  

The candle  is lit on the 3^rd Sunday, in anticipation of the coming feast of the birth of Christ.  It reminds us that our penitential journey is nearing and end. 

A White Candle will take center position on Christmas Eve.  

This candle will be lit on the Eve and is known as the “Christ Candle.” 

  

Advent is a beautiful tradition and one which our children look forward to each year.  

Our youngest lights the candle the first week, our oldest the second week, me (the mother) lights the third week and the father the fourth.  I feel that observing Advent each evening at dinner helps our family remember what the holidays are truly about:  family, love, joy, peace and our faith.  

Our family will be observing Advent each night until Christmas.  

For those also celebrating Advent we ask you to join us over the next 4 weeks and to post your links to your celebration below!

- Erin