AUMC

The season of Advent, which comes comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. 

 

During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ.  The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God.  The people of the Anthony UMC light one candle for each week in Advent, with one larger white candle in the middle as the Christ candle.  There are three purple candles with one pink candle to represent joy.

 

During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace.  The lighting of the first candle can also symbolize expectation, while the second symbolizes hope, the third joy and the fourth purity.

 

The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world.