The Meaning of Advent Advent is the season in the Christian year of preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is a time to remember our longing and need for a Messiah, as well as look forward to our Savior's second coming. The word "advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." During the Advent season we wait and hope in prayerful expectation, crying out together, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." In the midst of holiday celebrations, Christmas carols, and exchanging gifts, Advent is meant to be a time of remembrance. In Advent we remember that we live in darkness and exile. We remember that we are crying out to God to save us. We remember that God promised us a Messiah and a new reign. We remember that the promise to us is Jesus Christ who has come and will come again. Some people grow up with Advent traditions. For others, the concept of Advent may be new. Observing Advent can not only enrich your celebration of Christmas, but it can also be a powerful, shaping experience in your spiritual growth and relationship with God. How to Observe Advent As you prepare for Christmas, you may want to consider observing Advent through the practice of using an Advent wreath. For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath and candles to inspire their anticipation and hope for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Through lighting candles, reading from the Bible, and praying, we remember the meaning of Christ's birth, and allow God to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ into our lives. There is no set meaning for the candles of the Advent wreath, except for the center "Christ candle," which always signifies the birth of Christ. Some people see the candles as pointing to peace, joy, hope, and love. Others may have the candles symbolize key figures in the birth story of Jesus, such as Mary and Joseph, the angels, the wise men, and the shepherds. I've created a guide for personal, family, or corporate worship that can accompany the lighting of the candles of the Advent wreath. You can use a real Advent wreath and candles, or simply make your own. In the center of the wreath, a white pillar candle like this one can be used. I encourage you to adapt the guide in whatever way fits you and your community best. Weekly Advent Readings Click on the links below to print and download. Or click here to sign up and have them sent to your inbox. Advent Readings and Prayers Week 1: Waiting Advent Readings and Prayers Week 2: Forgiveness Advent Readings and Prayers Week 3: Joy Advent Readings and Prayers Week 4: Coming of Christ Advent Readings and Prayers: Christmas Celebration Lord, help us to celebrate the season of Advent, and prepare for the coming of Jesus into our lives. How do you celebrate Advent? Are there other ways that you prepare for Christmas? Please share in the comments. Want guidance and inspiration for your spiritual journey delivered to your inbox?
Sign up for my email newsletter Notes From Larissa. Are you searching for a place of encouragement, guidance, and connection for your faith journey? Have you ever wished you could sit with a spiritual mentor you trust and ask all your faith questions? Do you want to experience growth in your spiritual life and be empowered to take steps closer toward God? Well I've created The Journeyers Collective with you in mind. It is a gathering place for journeyers like you and me who want more of God in our daily lives. Come check it out! Want guidance and inspiration for your spiritual journey delivered to your inbox?
Sign up for my email newsletter Notes From Larissa. This is a guide to help you encounter God through reflection, listening & prayer. Use this in your times of prayer, retreat, and Sabbath. Click here to get a printable version of this guide. SETTLE INTO GOD’S PRESENCE Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and slowly quiet your body, mind, and soul. Adjust to the silent stillness. Reflect on where you have been, what you have been doing, and what you have felt and experienced in the last several weeks. How has God been present to you? What are the things occupying your mind and heart? What hopes and fears do you have as you prepare to meet with God? Share these thoughts and feelings with God. Listen. OPENING PRAYER Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (From the Book of Common Prayer) SCRIPTURE READING: MATTHEW 13:44-46 Take a few moments to sit with the following passage. Read through it, allowing it to wash over you, and speak to you. What words or verses caught your attention? Hold these words in your mind, paying attention to what is going through your mind and heart. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
CLOSING PRAYER Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with him attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (From the Book of Common Prayer) How was your experience as you went through this guide? How did God speak to you? Please share in the comments. If you want more like this, check out the Spiritual Journey library for more guides. Want guidance and inspiration for your spiritual journey delivered to your inbox?
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WELCOMEHi, I'm Larissa. I am an artist and spiritual director on the island of O'ahu in Hawai'i.
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