Advent Season Begins

Advent marks the beginning of the Christmas season. It is a four week period of time that helps to spiritually prepare our hearts before the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Roman Catholics believe it to be a time of penitence. During the Advent season we should all reflect about what it means for the world before Christ came and preparing the church and hearts for the true meaning of Christmas.

Each Sunday during the Advent season has a particular theme. The first weeks theme is faithfulness. The second and third Sunday's feature the stories of John the Baptist and represent hope and joy. The fourth Sunday tells the story of the events that led up to the birth of Jesus and represents love.

Each week a candle on the advent wreath is lit. The candles help represent the theme of the week. The wreath is normally made up of evergreen branches and holds four candles. There are three purple candles for the first 3 weeks of Advent an the last week is represent by a pink one. Our preacher shares that this candle is for Mary and I love that aspect. In the center of the wreath is a white candle that represents Christ.