The season of Advent was not something I was familiar with as a child. But I have grown to love the joyful marking of time that anticipates the celebration/commemoration of Jesus' birth. The lighting of the candles on the four Sundays subsequent to Thanksgiving (and the center candle on Christmas Eve) is beautiful. I'm partial to the regal purple candles, but I've recently learned that royal blue is now more in vogue, separating the season of Advent from the season of Lent.
This is our Advent Wreath.
After Christmas last year, I bought this adorable candelabra, and if I wasn't so married to the regal purple candles, I might be tempted to use this as our Advent "Wreath" because it has just the right number of candles.
There are tons of books and resources about Advent as well as suggested weekly readings online. Our children take turns lighting the candles and reading aloud. They'd never admit it, but last week we even broke into a spontaneous Christmas carol at the end of the reading. It was sweet.
"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place. ~ Edward Hays, A Pilgrim's Almanac
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