With the coming of Christmas, I thought I’d give you a little insight into what the season of Advent is all about. Last year I had written about the true meaning of Christmas, décor and a party. So, this year I thought we could help each other get ready to prepare ourselves for a holy Christmas.
Advent is a season, of the liturgical year when most Christian denominations wait and spiritually prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus as well as the return of Jesus the second time. This year, it began on 28th November. The candles, made of bee wax, are placed in a circle on a wreath and lit in the following order every Sunday before Christmas.
The First Sunday of Advent – The PURPLE candle stands for HOPE. It is also called the Expectation candle as the Gospel reading speaks about the second coming of Jesus.
The Second Sunday of Advent – This PURPLE candle stands for PEACE. It is also called the Bethlehem candle or the candle of preparation. The Gospel reading calls for peace with God and our neighbours.
The Third Sunday of Advent – The PINK candle stands for JOY. It is also called the shepherd candle or the candle of joy. This Sunday is known as Gaudete Sunday or Rejoicing Sunday as the 1st and 2nd reading calls to rejoice. The Gospel reading speaks of Jesus as the bringer of the joy of salvation.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent – The PURPLE candle stands for LOVE. It is called the candle of love or the angel candle. The Gospel reading speaks of the Virgin Mary’s love for God.
The CHRISTMAS Candle – The WHITE candle or the Advent candle is lit to represent purity, light, regeneration and godliness. White is also a symbol of VICTORY. This candle is lit on 24th December and is positioned in the center of the wreath to remind us that, whatever happens, Jesus is the center of our lives.
Only candles made of bees wax are used because bees wax is pure, unadulterated and naturally obtained from God’s creation (the bees), unlike commercially prepared wax.
When I was looking for tips on how to prepare ourselves for Christmas, I was amused to see that there were several lists around the internet on when to get the tree ready and where to buy the meat and how to get your gifts organized but none on how to go about preparing ourselves spiritually. So, I decided to write the following merely to spread the word on how we can prepare our hearts for Christmas during the Advent season.
REFLECT, PRAY AND SING – Firstly, we should take time out to reflect and be thankful for all that God has given us. We should be grateful for all the little things in our lives. We should pray for the unfortunate, needy, sick and those who are lost and hurting, so that they may find peace. Besides praying for the less fortunate, we can also try to help them with their physical and/or spiritual needs.
READ THE BIBLE – Read, study and meditate on the words in the story of Jesus’ birth. Ask God to help you understand the passages better each time you read them slowly with fresh eyes. Read to learn and absorb the true meaning of the Holy Book.
PRAISE & WORSHIP – During this season, we can honour God by the way we live. For example, it is always nice to speak words of encouragement to others instead of the negative. Treat your loved ones with respect. Humbly serve your family. Also, sing praises to God for His goodness and grace.
FAMILY TIME – Try and gather your loved ones and spend some quality time together. While having dinner or opening your gifts, you can practice the art of listening to those who love you. Truly listening is one of the best ways to show that you care. Don’t forget to make memories while you’re at it.
REMEMBER JESUS – Last, but not least, we should remember Jesus. We should remember that Jesus was born only to die for us. Remember that God sent His only Son to pay the price of our sins and save us. Remember to never put an X in Christmas because Jesus, and only Jesus, is the center of Christmas.
Advent is about reliving the ancient expectancy of the Messiah. The Jews waited for a thousand years for Christmas after the promise was made to David. We wait only for 4 weeks till Christmas.
So, while we are putting up the tree, scrutinizing our guest lists and selecting the best meats for the family, we should remember to first prepare our hearts and souls so that we, as well as those around us, can have a blessed Christmas.
What did you think of this article? If you like it, do spread the word and help everyone have a holy Christmas and a happy holiday!
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47 Comments
That’s adorable thought.
Thanks for sharing insight on an aspect of Christmas I had no clue about! Always interesting to read about the practical aspects of other people’s faiths…
I know about various Christmas symbols and all but significance of these colour and bee wax is new to me.
Thanks for the share.
Anytime, Meenu.
I learnt something new today. Didn’t know anything about it at all. I like the emphasis on preparing spiritually for Christmas. The commercial aspect is always in focus usually.
yeah everyone wants to make money hahaha
This is such a nice post. I never knew about advent season. I am glad you shared all the details about this.
My pleasure, dear.
I just love learning more about different cultures. I never knew something like this existed. I like when everything is driven by purpose. Great post.
Thanks Raghav!
Although I studied in a convent school,I didn’t know about the beeswax or coloured candles.
Thank you for sharing something different and not just gifts and trees.
Even I was in a convent school for 4 years but never knew any of this from there.
I heard so much about Advent calendar but i never knew anything about it. Your post has addressed all my doubts about it. Thanks for such an informative post
You’re welcome, Jyoti!
I have designed quite a few Advent Calendars for clients but did not know what the Sundays denoted. I remember reading your post on Christmas last year too. Thank you for sharing all the lesser-known facts.
It’s my pleasure, Ritu!
I’ve celebrated Christmas with my friends and even attended mid night mass but never knew about the season of Advent. This was interesting to read. And like you rightly mentioned, it’s not just about decor n celebrations but also about remembering God and worshiping.
Thanks, Hansa!
I had literally no idea about advent. I read your post twice. It is surprising that despite being with many Christian friends and studying in a convent I am still illiterate about the biblical studies.
Yeah most people focus on the ‘fun’ things now-a-days… even I did till a few years ago!
Each festival needs our time, energy, mind and soul for preparation. Good to know about the candles and their purpose, also why advent candles are madeup of bees wax. Can you also share why wreath is prepared and any particular leaves and flowers on it that signifies the essence of Christmas celebration.
The wreath, which is made of various evergreens (natural leaves in the past but nothing specific), signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
This was something new to me. I’m aware of the word advent and teh advent calendar but didn’t know the significance. This was definitely insightful.
Thanks, Sindhu!
Honestly I didn’t know about the season of advent in such details and also the candles . Loved your post
Thanks dear!
I used to always wonder about the Advent calendar and its significance. Your post has addressed all my doubts about it. Thanks Cindy for such an informative post
You’re welcome dear!
So much more to Christmas than just parties & wine. It is a time for giving & sharing. Nice post.
Thanks, Vasumathi!
I had heard of Advent when I was in school but it had been years and I had totally forgotten about it. You had actually reminded me of the way we used to prepare for Christmas when I was in the hostel…
Wow that’s nice.
Liked the idea of preparing oneself for Christmas, spiritually. The real meaning of Christmas can be understood by studying Bible with heart. Your article is quite relevant when people are forgetting the importance of Christmas.
Thanks dear.
I knew about Lent but not about Advent. Thank you for sharing such detailed information. You are right, people usually don’t know the spiritual part of the festival that they are celebrating.
True!
Amazing write-up Cindy. Have a happy & blessed festive season… Happy Christmas to you n your loved one’s. Enjoyyyyyy n celebrate 🙏🙏
Same to you dear!
Wow this post is perfect for the season. here in USA, Christmas is one of the most celebrated festival. and my girls often told me various stories regarding its celebration that they learnt from school. but I never had any idea about its spiritual connection and advent. thanks a lot for enhancing my knowledge.
You’re welcome, Surbhi! You can share this with your American friends, hehe!
I could feel a different kind of calmness reflecting in this post Cindy. Didn’t know about the candle colors and its significance. Christmas is a festival of love, hope, purity, and joy. We can only wish that we should always be blessed with these elements in our life.
Of course, Alpana! Thanks for stopping by!
I really had no idea what the season of Advent is all about. But it’s never to late to.learn, isn’t it?
Never!
I really appreciate you posting about the meaning of advent season. To me all candles meant the same , but I discovered that purple and white are lighted for different connotations This was an illuminating post 🙂
Thanks Preeti!
Christmas holidays are one of the most awaited holidays and entire festive season is ideal vacation time .