Week 96
Positive post Sunday, December 16, 2018- Week 96.
Advent is a very important part of the Christian faith. In the Catholic Church, Advent is the first season of the church year, a period of preparation extending over the four weeks before Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin word advenio, “to come to,” and refers to the coming of Jesus on Christmas day. Advent is God’s promise that his son will soon be coming to give us new life and hope.
One tradition during Advent is the lighting of the candles on the advent wreath. Although there are various configurations of the Advent wreath, in the Catholic church there are traditionally 4 candles, 3 purple and one rose (or pink). Here is a YouTube video that provides background and insight into the importance and symbolism of the Advent wreath https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of2Pc6BzfdA.
Today, Christians around the world celebrate Gaudete Sunday, the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Gaudete is a Latin word that means, “Rejoice”. And, today, on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, we rejoice in the coming of our Lord by lighting the rose candle on our Advent wreaths.
Many of us will soon celebrate the true miracle of Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus. It is my hope that my family and Christian friends take time this busy holiday season to reflect, rejoice and give thanks for our faith and the many blessings we all have. Remember we are celebrating CHRISTmas.
How are you preparing for CHRISTmas, the birth of Jesus our savior, the messiah?