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St. Lorenz’ Annual
Advent by Candlelight!
Saturday & Sunday, November 26 & 27, 2011
6:30 pm
St. Lorenz School Gym
St. Lorenz’ Annual
Advent by Candlelight!
Saturday & Sunday, November 26 & 27, 2011
6:30 pm
St. Lorenz School Gym
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Advent by Candlelight is a tradition that has been growing for over 30 years. Formats change from one church to another, but basically it’s this: set aside a few hours to reflect on Jesus and His birth while also sharing beautifully-decorated tables, a dessert, special program and…the glow of candles and friends!
Some say Advent by Candlelight has become a priority, a favored tradition.
Won’t you join us this year?
Advent by Candlelight is a tradition that has been growing for over 30 years. Formats change from one church to another, but basically it’s this: set aside a few hours to reflect on Jesus and His birth while also sharing beautifully-decorated tables, a dessert, special program and…the glow of candles and friends!
Some say Advent by Candlelight has become a priority, a favored tradition.
Won’t you join us this year?
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What is Advent?
The Advent Season, like Lent, is part of the church year. Not all Christian denominations celebrate a church year, but those that do have done so, in part, to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Traditionally, Advent and Lent were observed in much the same way, a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord through fasting and repentance of sins. The seasons focused not only on baby Jesus’ birth, but also on His second coming.
Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas. Many churches use the first Sunday of Advent as a time of celebration that is traditionally called the “hanging of the greens” when the church is decorated with evergreen boughs to signify eternal life. Oftentimes, Advent worship services focus upon the Old Testament prophecies of the promised Messiah and how Jesus fulfills those prophecies. Some parts of the world have retained the original Advent practice of 40 days of fasting and prayerful reflection.
The circular shape of the wreath is symbolic of God’s eternal nature as He has no beginning and no end. Greenery represents eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Although the Advent wreath traditionally includes three purple (or blue) candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the center, sometimes red candles are used. One candle is lit the first week of Advent. A second candle is added the second week, and so on until all four candles are lit as Christmas approaches. On Christmas Eve, the white Christ Candle is lit: “Arise, Shine for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
Since lighting of the Advent wreath is a man-made tradition (not found or commanded in Scripture), several beautiful explanations can be attached to the meaning of the candles.
- The central white candle represents Christ and His Holiness.
- The candles can represent Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Another interpretation: Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd, Angel. See what Scripture says about these topics, or pick up Advent devotions that are readily available.
- The color purple/blue represents royalty. Pink represents joy.
An Advent wreath in the home can help drive a personal and private time of devotion, a time to dwell on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Perhaps, in these busy times where Christmas is so exploited and merchandised, the Advent wreath and its candles is more important than ever to help us focus on Christ.
What is Advent?
The Advent Season, like Lent, is part of the church year. Not all Christian denominations celebrate a church year, but those that do have done so, in part, to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. Traditionally, Advent and Lent were observed in much the same way, a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord through fasting and repentance of sins. The seasons focused not only on baby Jesus’ birth, but also on His second coming.
Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas. Many churches use the first Sunday of Advent as a time of celebration that is traditionally called the “hanging of the greens” when the church is decorated with evergreen boughs to signify eternal life. Oftentimes, Advent worship services focus upon the Old Testament prophecies of the promised Messiah and how Jesus fulfills those prophecies. Some parts of the world have retained the original Advent practice of 40 days of fasting and prayerful reflection.
The circular shape of the wreath is symbolic of God’s eternal nature as He has no beginning and no end. Greenery represents eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Although the Advent wreath traditionally includes three purple (or blue) candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the center, sometimes red candles are used. One candle is lit the first week of Advent. A second candle is added the second week, and so on until all four candles are lit as Christmas approaches. On Christmas Eve, the white Christ Candle is lit: “Arise, Shine for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)
Since lighting of the Advent wreath is a man-made tradition (not found or commanded in Scripture), several beautiful explanations can be attached to the meaning of the candles.
- The central white candle represents Christ and His Holiness.
- The candles can represent Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. Another interpretation: Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd, Angel. See what Scripture says about these topics, or pick up Advent devotions that are readily available.
- The color purple/blue represents royalty. Pink represents joy.
An Advent wreath in the home can help drive a personal and private time of devotion, a time to dwell on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Perhaps, in these busy times where Christmas is so exploited and merchandised, the Advent wreath and its candles is more important than ever to help us focus on Christ.
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Pam Fitzgerald, Advent by Candlelight Coordinator
9135 Bender Road
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 598-5226 or (989) 652-4858
Pam Fitzgerald, Advent by Candlelight Coordinator
9135 Bender Road
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(989) 598-5226 or (989) 652-4858
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| St. Lorenz Lutheran Church & School
140 Churchgrove Road :: Frankenmuth, MI 48734Phone 989-652-6141 |
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