Like Christmas, the liturgical season of Advent has a range of rich traditions. Lee Tate, associate pastor of First Baptist Church, Selma, said Advent’s visible symbols help him stay focused on Christ’s birth. “[They’re] good visual aids,” he said. “[They] allow us to remember it’s not about presents, it’s about His presence.” Here are the meanings behind some of the best known practices.
The Advent wreath. Perhaps the most popular Advent institution, the Advent wreath is a tradition shared by Catholics and Protestants. Made of evergreens to symbolize eternal life in Christ, the wreath has four candles that count down the four Sundays until Christmas. An additional candle is lit each week- traditionally three purple candles and one pink candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent (known as Gaudete Sunday). A fifth white candle may be used in the center to represent Jesus.
In churches, the Advent wreath is generally placed in the sanctuary. Families who use the wreath at home most often place it on the dining table and light the candles during meals.
Hanging of the greens. In the first week of Advent, many churches hold a service of preparing the sanctuary for Christmas.
The service is usually offered on a Sunday and involves Scripture readings and music. Volunteers hang wreaths on the church doors and place the Advent wreath and other evergreens in the sanctuary while congregants hear the religious symbols explained. Chrismons, symbols of Christ, are also hung on fir trees as decorations in many churches.
(RNS, TAB)
Share with others: