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The Season of Advent

Advent is a season of anticipation and repentance which focuses on the First and Second Comings of Christ. The dual focus means that Advent both begins and ends the Christian Year (Isa. 9.1-7, 11.1-16; Mark 1.1-8).

The Coming of Christ

Advent anticipates the First and Second Comings of our Lord. God’s prophets foretold his Coming, and angels announced his birth to Mary and the shepherds. We affirm God’s promise fulfilled in the arrival of Messiah in Bethlehem.

Anticipation: 1st Week – The Advent wreath reminds us of God’s eternal love, without a beginning, without an end. The Candles reminds us of Christ’s light coming into the world. We light the first candle looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Annunciation: 2nd Week – We light the second candle to announce the birth of the Savior King, as the angel Gabriel announced to Mary, and the angels announced to the shepherds.

Affirmation: 3rd Week – We light the third candle recognizing the fulfillment of God’s promise of our salvation.

Arrival: 4th Week – We light the fourth candle in celebration of the arrival of the baby, born in a stable at Bethlehem, whose name is Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.