The past few months have been filled with joy as we have had opportunity to gather after so long apart. It has been good to see people make their way back to the sanctuary — minding seriously all COVID protocols — where we can worship God in community.

As you enter the sanctuary on Sunday you will notice that our hospitality team has been hard at work to help us to prepare for Christmas. The tree is up, beautifully decorated and lit. You may also notice a beautiful Advent wreath adorned with five candles.

So what does Advent mean?

Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. Beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, Advent helps us to prepare for the coming, or “advent” of the Christ child at Christmas.

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the Advent wreath?

For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming of Christ. By lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded about the meaning of Christ’s birth and, if you are anything like me, become more excited about his coming in the past, in the future, and in our own lives.

There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath (except for the middle candle, which always signifies the birth of Jesus and is often called the Christ Candle). The four candles around the Christ Candle, most often point to peace, hope, joy, and love. However, some churches identify the candles with key figures in the stories of the birth of Jesus, such as the shepherds, the angels, Joseph, and Mary.

Advent wreaths can also have candles with a variety of colours. Some wreaths use all white candles; others use three purple or blue candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle.

The purple/blue candles remind us of how serious and solemn God’s people have been in waiting for the Messiah. The pink signifies the joy of our waiting. The white is triumphant and celebratory because Christ is born.

Each Sunday (beginning this Sunday) leading up to and including Christmas eve at Amberlea we will gather around the Advent wreath in a new and surprising way. You are very welcome to join us in person or online to share in the Advent season, a time of waiting, expecting, and hoping.

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This Sunday we will begin a new four part sermon series entitled Finding the Missing Peace. In-person or Online! Join us in the way you feel most comfortable.

Advent Blessings to you!