This week we begin to celebrate the season of Advent. Advent means “arrival” and is a season that connects us with the historical and universal church, a time when God’s people celebrate the coming of Christ and anticipate His return.
Each week, we’ll light a candle on the Advent Wreath. Typically, this is done on a Sunday, but you can do it any day of the week. The goal is to gather as a family to focus our hearts as we prepare for Christmas. This first week of Advent we light the candle of Hope on December 1st. Hope is the expectation of a certain thing. The people of Israel looked forward to the coming Messiah and hoped for the arrival of His kingdom. The incarnate Christ, who came as a dependent, needy babe, born of a young woman, is that anticipated King.
Now, this side of the cross, we live in what is known as the “already” but “not yet.” His kingdom has been established, but not yet fully realized. We see the overwhelming presence of beauty, love, and goodness – windows of eternity – but at the same time, we see evil, injustice, and greed reign within the world and also within ourselves. And it is in this tension of the “already” but “not yet” that we Hope. We hope with expectation of what will certainly come: that the God who did not spare His own son, but gave Him up for us all, will graciously give us all things in Christ.
Here is the guide for you to follow as you light your Advent Wreath.
- Take a moment to look at the piece. Notice color and details. Who are the four representatives of the Old Testament and how do each point to the coming Savior?
- Make a simple paper ring chain as a countdown to Christmas. Use red, green and white construction paper to make strips of even size. On the back of each strip, write someone’s name. Take one piece, make a loop and staple the loop. Put the next strip into that chain and make another loop. Continue until your chain is made and hang it somewhere visible to help build excitement. Each day take off a ring and pray for the person on it. This creates anticipation for Christmas much like the people of Israel felt longing for the Messiah, and creates a habit of daily intercession for those we love.
