She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:27

Sunday, December 1, 2013

The Advent of Christmas - Dec 1st, 2013 HOPE


A few years ago our family began a new tradition in our home.  The Advent Candles.  We found information about Advent on the internet and each year we add to it and make it more meaningful to us.  This has brought us closer together and given us the Spirit of Christmas that we would like to entertain.  In this series of posts I will share with you what we do and take some pictures as well.  I learned some of this from a website http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/ADVENTwreath_01.htm it is a beautiful page.
On the first Sunday in December, we light the candle of Hope.  We read these words (http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/ADVENTwreath_02.htm) aloud and sing the first verse of a song.

The 1st Sunday of Advent: Hope
Youth - Today is the first Sunday in the season of Advent. Advent means "coming," and in this season we prepare for the coming of Christ.  One of the ways we can celebrate Advent is by making an Advent wreath and lighting its candles to remind us of the gifts Christ brings to the world.

Adult - The Advent wreath includes many symbols. The wreath is in the shape of a circle, without beginning or ending. This reminds us that there is no beginning and no ending to God. God's love and care for us never ends. The evergreen branches are a sign of ever new life. The candles tell us of the light which came into the world with Jesus Christ. The traditional colors of the Advent candles, three violet and one rose, are penitential colors, reminding us that we need God's help to be the people we are meant to be. The white candle which we light on Christmas Eve signifies the coming of Christ.

Youth - Today we light the first candle, the candle of hope.
(Youth and adult together light the first candle.)

Adult - The people of Israel heard God's promises through the prophets. The prophet Isaiah spoke words of hope to Israel. He spoke of the coming of God's realm of Shalom when all nations will walk in God's light. We too hope and pray for a world of peace and harmony.

Youth - Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. With the lighting of this candle, we celebrate the hope of Israel, and the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Everyone - We continue to hope in God's promise that Christ will come again to fill our lives and the life of the world with love and joy and peace. Thank you, God, for the light of hope. As we 
prepare for Christ's coming, help us to share our hope with others.

We sing this verse to the tune of: Away in a Manger
http://www.msgr.ca/msgr-2/ADVENTwreath_01.htm

The Advent Candles
Tune: Away in a Manger
On the First Sunday of Advent
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright;
A candle of Hope in December's dark night.
While angels sing blessings from heav'n's starry sky
Our hearts we prepare now, for Jesus is nigh.






 
 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. love this
    brings back childhood memories back in Germany - growing up Catholic and with old German traditions

    ReplyDelete