First Sunday of Advent 2011

"The event of Christ is the only event in human history that promises relocation and centering, meaning and purpose. This promise and its fulfillment evoke passionate and heartfelt praise and thanks, especially for those aware of their own brokenness and the healing which Christ brings into their lives." -Robert Webber

A new tradition that David and I wanted to incorporate into our holiday season this year is the Advent Wreath (another tradition we can continue from now on, especially when we have kids). Wikipedia defines Advent as "a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas." We feel that this is something important to celebrate and really take to heart. So, I bought the materials (candles of the appropriate colors (3 purple, 1 rose, and 1 white), some ribbon, and a wreath, and my mother helped put together an Advent wreath for us! She finished this Sunday when we got back from Highlands, and she also cooked dinner that night for our family. So we decided we decided we'd celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with my parents and grandparents. One candle is lit each Sunday until Christmas (4 Sundays total) and then the final candle is lit on Christmas Day.



David lit the candle for the first Sunday...





There is also a blessing and a scripture reading as part of the ceremony, which I did...



And we ended by singing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."



We love incorporating these meaningful traditions into our lives!