Advent 1 & the Advent Wreath--November 29, 2020

Today, the first day of Advent begins, so Happy New Year! This four week countdown is a season of hope, expectation, and preparation as the world awaits the coming of the Savior. One of its best-known customs is the Advent wreath. Its unbroken circle of greens is an image of everlasting life, a victory wreath, the crown of Christ, or the wheel of time itself. Christians use the wreath as a sign that Christ reaches into our time to lead us to the light of everlasting life. The four candles mark the progress of the four weeks of Advent and the growth of light, as each candle joins another, just like our circles in life brighten in beauty as they expand, widen, include. This image is particularly powerful in the northern hemisphere as days darken and nights grow colder. The wreath can be embellished with natural dried flowers, fruit, evergreen branches leading households and congregations to the evergreen Christmas tree or simply be a circle of 4 candles to be lit each night or once a week.  As you do so, you can take a moment to be, breath, pray, sing a song, read a devotion.  Whatever may help you slow down for even just a little bit to take in the beauty of any given day.  We are reminded of the true meaning of this season--God’s love is ever-breaking through!!