Advent means “coming.”  Advent, the four Sundays and weeks before Christmas, is the first season of the Christian year.  It is a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus.  It is a time of waiting and thinking about Jesus’ birth.  The color for Advent is sometimes purple; but many churches, including University Heights will use blue the color for hope.

     Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation.  The meaning and joy of Christmas cannot be understood hurriedly.  The wisdom of Advent is that it gives us the time we need to prepare ourselves and to grow into the joy of Christmas. 

     Advent is a time for new planning, new attitudes and new inspiration for Christians.  Advent is one of the best times of the year – and not just for children.  It is a time when friends and families can draw closer together in their anticipation and celebration of God’s gift to the world – God’s Son, the Christ.

     Advent Wreath symbolism:  The shape of the wreath is round, with no beginning or end, reminding us of God’s never-ending love for everyone and all creation. 

The evergreens remind us of God’s creation and new life that grows.  The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent.  Sometimes a word from the scripture reading is designated for each candle.  This year the four Advent candles are:  First Candle – Waiting; Second Candle - Preparing; Third Candle - Joy; Fourth Candle - Rejoicing.  On Christmas Eve, the single white candle in the middle of the wreath is lighted to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child – the Christ Candle of Love.