The Season of Advent is upon us and I thought it would be helpful to have an explanation of the Advent Wreath. The Advent Wreath is one of the oldest traditions of the Church, likely dating back to the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. The circular wreath represents the cycle of thousands of years from Adam to Jesus, during which the world awaited the arrival of the Redeemer. THE CIRCLE, without beginning or end, teaches us that God’s love and eternal life are both never ending. THE EVERGREEN is the symbol of life and hope. It teaches us that the Lord Jesus is our hope for salvation as green is the Church’s colour for hope. The evergreen never changes just as Gods love for us will never change. THE CANDLES symbolize the light of grace given to all peoples when our Saviour was born. The candles tell us that Jesus, who is coming, is our light. The candles have no meaning unless they are lit. Their flame gives us light, life and warmth. As Jesus’ coming draws near, the brightness of their light increases each week. The purple candles, like the purple vestments worn by the priest, remind us that this season is penitential, as we make our hearts ready to celebrate once again, the birth of Christ and hopeful, as we wait with great anticipation for the Feast of Christmas and the final coming of the Lord. The rose candle reminds us of joy because we know that the Lord is near. The white candle in the center represents Christ, our light. Each of the candles also represents the following: Candle 1 – Purple – Hope and the Patriarchs, Candle 2 – Purple – Peace and the Prophets, Candle 3 – Rose - Joy and John the Baptist, Candle 4 – Love and Mary, the Mother of Christ, Candle 5 – Christ, the light of the world. As we begin this wonderful season, I wish you God’s blessings as we prepare for the Feast of Christmas. I hope the liturgies of Advent will have a special meaning for you.
TODAY is the First Sunday of Advent we are inviting a family or individuals to come forward for the Lighting of the Advent Wreath at the beginning of each Mass during Advent. A sign up sheet is posted in the vestibule of the Church - please write in your name and telephone number for the mass that you would like to have your family light the advent candles.
