During the four Sundays of Advent, churches around the world will be illuminated with candles as congregations light their Advent wreaths of evergreen, shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize God’s eternity.  Advent means “coming,” and during the season, Christians prepare for Jesus’s coming.

These four Sundays are recognized with four virtues. In most traditions, the candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, faith, joy, peace, light, and the purity that came into the world with the gift of the Messiah.

On Christmas Day, we light the final candle, located in the center of the evergreen wreath.  This candle symbolizes where our hope, faith, joy, and peace come from: The Messiah whose birth was foretold – Jesus.

Regardless of specific Advent traditions and differences in how it is celebrated across cultures and countries, Advent is a time for all believers and families to commemorate the arrival of the Messiah, prepare for His second coming, and celebrate the joy of Christmas together. 

As church services and worship opportunities are affected by the pandemic, consider celebrating Advent and the lighting of each candle with your family in your home.