Tomorrow (Dec. 2nd) is the first Sunday of Advent; nevermind that you've already opened the first door to your chocolate Adventcalendar. Advent begins on the fourth Sunday from Christmas. It's a time toprepare for Christ's birthday.
Many people already have their Christmas trees decoratedand lights on their houses. It's exciting to see, but I've been trying to keepour family focused on time of preparation--preparing not just our home, but ourhearts.
Like Lent (the preparatory time before Easter), we focuson repentance, anticipated joy, and especially prayer. Some years we succeedbetter than others.
Our outer work reflects our inner world and also help usfocus on what our inner focus should be. The Advent wreath is a super way to do this. It's traditionally anevergreen wreath with four candles. Threeare violet and one is rose colored. On each Sunday of Advent, we light onemore. First Sunday- one violet. Second Sunday- two violet. Third Sunday(Rejoice Sunday)-two violet and one rose. Fourth Sunday-three violet and onerose.
The gradual progression helps us to anticipate Christ'sbirth. Evergreen branches symbolize continuous life. The circle of the wreathis for the eternity of God. Violet is for repentance. The rose candle is forhope and rejoicing that Christ will soon come.
At our home, we have the wreath on the table and light iteach night before dinner, saying a special prayer. American Catholic has niceprayer ideas for Advent.
Additionally, decorating your home altar or fireplacemantel with purple and evergreen is a lovely reminder of the season.
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