Celebrating Advent

On this final Sunday of Advent, I would like to take a moment and share the history of the "Advent Wreath". This beautiful tradition has continued for several years and continues to warm households every Advent Season. 


Dating back to the Early Church and the 5th century, the Advent Season holds many traditions. From charity to penance, the season is one to take a moment and truly meditate on the true history of Christmas. In addition, the traditional "Advent Wreath" begins on the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the Liturgical Year. The greenery of the circular wreath represents the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The colors of the Advent Wreath candles also include the colors of the liturgical vestments used in Mass. Each of the four candles represent exactly one thousand years, which added together becomes four thousand years. Those four thousand years demonstrate the years that humanity waited for salvation following the Fall of Man. Upon the Birth and Death of Jesus Christ, humanity was given such promised salvation. 


My 2021 Advent Wreath


The Advent Wreath as follows:


First Sunday of Advent (Purple): The "Prophecy Candle" represents the prophecies and promise from God that a Savior will be born.


Second Sunday of Advent (Purple): 

The "Bethlehem Candle" represents the faith of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem. 


Third Sunday of Advent (Pink): The "Shepherd’s Candle" represents the joy experienced by the world and the Shepherd's upon hearing of the coming Christ.


Fourth Sunday of Advent (Purple): The "Angel’s Candle" represents the Holy Angel's who spoke of the peace on Earth upon Christ's Birth. 


Fifth Candle (White): The "Christ Candle" represents the purity of Jesus Christ. This special candle can be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.


"You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Saint Matthew 5:14-16)


The Final Sunday of Advent


A blessed and beautiful rest of your Advent Season, my friends!


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