THE SEASON OF ADVENT

Advent marks the beginning of the church calendar. During this time the liturgical colours change to violet; the colour that is related to repentance, as well as to the royalty of the coming King.

But what is Advent? It is a season that invites us to create space in our busy lives to come to rest and ponder on the meaning of everything: what are we keeping ourselves busy with? Do we live with an EXPECTATION that there will come a time – and it may be now – that what is broken will be restored? Do we live the ANTICIPATION that there will come a day – and the day may be now – that our Lord, Jesus Christ, will come as Restorer? It is a time of PREPARATION to be participants in the building of God’s Kingdom on earth. But, it is also a time of CELEBRATION: In a world of war and hopelessness; pain and sorrow, we may already experience hope, peace, joy and love in the presence of God.

Advent is a time of REMEMBERING the promise of Jesus “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? … I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).
May this Advent bring us closer to God’s love and fill our lives with His light, guiding us toward a new year of grace.

Since the 17th century Lutherans make an advent wreath as part of their spiritual disciplines.
You can be very creative, or shape some evergreens from your garden in a circle to represent eternal life. Place four candles in the wreath – they may be white, although traditionally three were purple or blue; and one pink candle (to be lit on the 3rd Sunday). A fifth candle can stand in the centre, usually white and bigger, which is lit on Christmas day.