Advent wreaths are not just a Christmas decoration. What they represent is pretty amazing. Even if you have never observed advent before, you can start today, on the first Sunday of advent.
What is advent?
Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas (or sometimes from the 1st December to Christmas Day!). Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
No one is really sure when Advent was first celebrated but it is believed to date back to at least 567 when monks fasted during December leading up to Christmas.
Each of the five candles represent something significant to the coming of Christ. This info graphic perfectly explains the meaning behind the advent wreath:
Today, on the first Sunday of advent, read these verses and light your first candle. Celebrate hope- the hope the Prophets held for the coming messiah and the hope he hold for his return.
First Sunday of Advent Readings: Hope
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Alternate readings: Psalm 122; Isaiah 2:2-5; Romans 13:11-14
Suggested hymns: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, Silent Night