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Advent Continues...
We are waiting. During the Advent seaon we will be cultivating our awareness of God’s actions past, present, and future. We hear the prophets speak. They speak of Christ's coming so many years ago, and they speak to us who wait for the secondcoming. In Advent we heighten our anticipation for the ultimate fulfillment of all Old Testament promises, when the wolf will lie down with the lamb, death will be swallowed up, and every tear will be wiped away.
The Four Candles
-The four candles bring light into the darkness. They represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.
-The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various contours of our waiting experience. As the candles are lit over the Advent season, darkness, hopelessness, and the shadows of sin fall away as light comes into the world. Each new candle reminds us that something is happening, and that more is yet to come.
-The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope (or in some traditions, Prophecy). Anticipation of the coming of a Messiah weaves through Old Testament history. As God’s people were mistreated by power hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by lazy religious leaders, there arose a longing for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be God’s people.
-Three candles are purple and one is pink.
-The pink candle is lit on Third Sunday of Advent - also known as the Sunday of joy.
-On Christmas Eve the white candle is lit. The white symbolizes purity and joy. It is known as the Christ candle. This represents the light of Christ born into the world on Christmas day.
Advent Prayer Guide and Book "Mothers of Christ"
Advent study resources from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This study is perfect for families and those interested in learning more about the geneology of Jesus traced through great women from the Bible. Thanks to Paul Neeley for posting a link to this resource on his Global Christian Worship blog.
Download "Mothers of Christ" Advent Prayer Guide and Book
Liturgical Calendar 2016-2017 (Year A):
Download a free single sheet liturgical calendar for 2016-2017. This resource was created by San Fransisco artist Barbara Lyon. Many thanks for her permission to use this wonderful resource.
Download with dates and descriptions
Download with dates
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