This is the second Sunday in Advent.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming".
The season of Advent has been set aside as a time of preparation for Christmas and also a time that we look forward to Christ's second coming.
The colour of this season is Purple, symbolising repentance and fasting and this is also the colour of royalty, celebrating our King of Kings, Jesus.
Next Sunday, the third one in Advent, the colour is Pink or Rose which represents joy and rejoicing - moving away from repentance towards celebration!
As we light our second candle at this time, we can look to the old testament prophecies of the coming of our Lord Jesus. This is the candle of Peace and of Love, and we can focus on Jesus as being the Prince of Peace and thank Him for the peace that He brings into our hearts and lives.
I personally am thankful to Jesus for the true forgiveness He gives and the peace that He offers. But mainly for His unconditional Love; a love that will never end.
The candles stand in a wreath and the circle of this and the evergreens that make it up both signify God's endless mercy and undying love. I have learnt that:
the Ivy is to remind us of the human spirit clinging to God's strength
Cedar is to remind us of the fact that Christ offers us eternal life
Holly is to remind us the crown of thorns
Bay demonstrates victory over sin and death.
I have previously mentioned that I have never taken part in an Advent service before or known very much about it. I am just a sinner saved by the Grace of God and truly believe that Jesus died for me personally.
I have enjoyed looking at what Advent means and to see why churches celebrate this event.
Most of all, I enjoy my relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ which blossoms continually throughout my life.
I hope that you too have experienced forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ and that you enjoy a relationship of peace and love with Him, the King of Kings.
4 comments:
Thanks so much, Carol - so good to learn from what you've found out about Advent. Our own church here in France doesn't celebrate it at all, but I find that the seasons of the church year are a good way to remind us of the truths of the Gospel, each season giving us a chance to focus on a different aspect of how Jesus has saved us and calls us. The fact that Advent looks both backwards and forward makes it particularly significant, I think. Thanks for mentioning that. Have a great and blessed week.
A lovely post, and very interesting too. Thank you for sharing.
love, Tina xx
Thanx for sharing, that's the way I know Him, and we may celebrate each day, yes, this is the day ;-)
Thank you ladies for your lovely, encouraging comments. I certainly appreciate you stopping by.
Have a blessed week.
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