Advent Today Advent means the coming of something

Advent Today • Advent means ‘the coming’ of something or ‘arrival. ’ • Advent is a period lasting FOUR Sundays (not weeks!) preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. • It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas – Jesus’ birth. • It is a time where Christians remember that Jesus came into the world in Palastine 2000 years ago.

Advent Today • The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the Christian Church's year. • Because the celebration is such an important event, Christians want to make themselves completely ready. • During the Season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the arrival of of the Lord into the world. • Advent is marked by preparations for Christmans with houses decorated, carols sung, cards written and gifts are planned.

Advent Wreath • The Advent Wreath is a symbols used during Advent. It looks like this:

History of the Advent Wreath • Many many years ago, German people used to make wreaths of leaves during the cold Winter month of December. They used to lite them as signs of hope. The origins of the Advent wreath began then. • Christian people continued this tradition and by the 16 th century, the wreath was used by Catholics in Germany to celebrate Advent hope in Christ. From Germany the use of the Advent wreath spread to other parts of the Christian world.

Why is the Advent Wreath so special to Christians? • The circle of the Advent wreath reminds Christians of God’s eternal love for us. It has no beginning or end. • The evergreen leaves on the wreath symbolise growth and life and hope. We can live and grow and hope because Jesus came into our world long ago and he continues to come into our lives everyday.

Why have four candles on the Advent Wreath? • The four candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent. Each Sunday during Advent we light another candle to remind us of Jesus, the light of the world. • Each candle has a meaning: First candle – HOPE (purple) Second candle – LOVE (purple) Third candle – JOY (pink) Fourth candle – PEACE (purple) • Sometimes there is a white candle in the middle of the wreath which is lit on Christmas Day.