Advent means “coming”. Advent is the church season of preparation for Christmas. Many churches observe Advent during the four weekends prior to Christmas. One of the ways we prepare our hearts is by making an Advent wreath, lighting its candles and reading Scriptures to help remind us of Christ coming to the world some 2000 years ago.
The Advent wreath includes many symbols to help us think about Christ and His gifts. The wreath itself is in the shape of a circle. A circle has no beginning and no end. This reminds us that there is no beginning and no end to God and that God’s love and caring are forever.
Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle, we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Thank you, God, for the hope you give us. We ask that as we wait for your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your hope with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.
Andy in Oman 