The Season of Advent

 

The season of Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas. Advent is an important season in the church calendar, much like Lent, Easter, Epiphany, and Pentecost. This year Advent commenced on Sunday November 27^th and ends on Christmas Eve December 24^th. Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “arrival. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. While Advent is certainly a time of celebration and anticipation of Christ’s birth, it is more than that.

In this period of Advent, the aspect of Christmas can be fully recognized and appreciated, and in the light of Christmas that the Christian life is well acknowledged. It is a season of repentance, been remorseful and the willingness to change and walk in the ways of Christ as a believer. As we await the birth of Christ we must prepare our heart, mind, body to journey with him in holiness and righteousness and to live a Christ-like live on earth.

During Advent, there are five candles that are beautifully decorated on the Altar, although traditions vary, and some traditions go with four candles. The candles represent something different. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. The four candles traditionally stand for hope, faith, joy, and peace. Often, the first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third candle is rose-coloured. Sometimes all the candles are red. Often the fifth, white candle is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

In Ghana, one of the beautiful things about Advent readings and lighting up the candles is that they offer both the young and old to participate in the service. The Parish Priest on each of the four Sunday invites a person to light up as well involving them in the readings.

The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is known as the “Candle of Prophecy” which talks about the Prophet Isaiah who foretold the birth of Jesus Christ

The Second Candle which represents faith. As a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. This candle is known as the “Bethlehem Candle”

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepherd’s Candle. This candle is meant to remind as of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, and how far we have journeyed on our faithfulness in Advent

On the fourth Sunday we light up the purple candle to mark the week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Saviour. This candle is known as the “Angel’s Candle,” which symbolizes peace.

The white candle which is placed in the middle of the four candles is lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Saviour.

 Here, in Liverpool Cathedral Advent tradition is highly regarded and the beginning of a new church calendar. This is my first Advent at Liverpool Cathedral, and I must say, all the service are very well rooted in the exhibition of the Advent tradition, the readings, Gospel and preaching is based on insightful lessons of Advent. Prior to each of the Sundays an individual is chosen to make a video on Advent to remind us of the moment and what to expect the next Sunday. The inclusiveness of the young and old makes it exciting.