What Does Advent Mean?
Advent. Derived from the Latin word “adventus,” advent means “arrival” or “coming,” more specifically the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians around the world and for centuries have set aside the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare their hearts and homes to remember the real meaning of Christmas, when God’s Promise Through Generations was fulfilled in a stable in Bethlehem.
I did not grow up in a faith tradition that practiced a season of Advent leading up to Christmas. A few years into our marriage, my husband and I were introduced to the rich meaning of Advent and the beautiful way that pausing each evening to reflect and anticipate Jesus’ coming in the light of the candles refreshed and taught us. And not just the anticipation of celebrating Jesus’ birth, but of the day when He will return for His bride, the church!
While there are many ways to observe Advent, the traditional practice includes an evergreen wreath that holds four candles along its circumference, three purple candles and one pink. Each part of the Advent wreath has significant meaning, intended to help us remember and anticipate using all of our senses. Before Advent officially begins, (the Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving in the United States) I would like to walk us through a brief primer of the symbols of this season, give us time to collect the materials to get started and settle into this beautiful theme - God’s Promise Through Generations. So don’t get left behind. The daily devotions begin on Wednesday, November 26! Head over to my website and get your hard copies ordered, of both the adult devotional as well as the coloring book for kids. And if all of this is new to you and you can’t imagine where you would even find pink and purple candles, I’ve shared my favorite wreaths and candle sets with you on Amazon in the first few pages of God’s Promise Through Generations. Scan the QR code and you will have several options to choose from and have delivered in time for the first Sunday, November 30.
I invite you to join me in observing and celebrating Advent this year. Gather your church, your family and friends around the candles and anticipate Jesus’ coming - the fulfillment of God’s Promise Through Generations. Together, we will daily light the candles, read a short devotion and selected Scriptures, engage in discussion, perhaps even share a meal, and give thanks through prayer and singing. What could be sweeter?
Blessings,
Gay B Brown
