What is the Advent wreath? Here's what
meets Mara Powers:
"... Then Ms. Brandon explained the meaning of the four candles: The first candle is called the Candle of the Prophet. We note that many centuries before the birth of baby Jesus, wise men called prophets predicted his coming.
A prophet named Micah foretold that Jesus would even born in Bethlehem! The second candle, called the Bethlehem candle, reminding us of the small town where our Savior was born. We depict Mary and Joseph while wearily wander from one inn to another, unable to find a place to rest, until the end are taken to the shelter of a barn. Then, in one of the most sacred nights, and remarried in the barn with animals to the myths, the son of Mary, the baby Jesus was born! The third candle is called the Candle of the shepherds, as were the shepherds to worship the baby Jesus and to spread the good news. The fourth candle is the candle of the Angels to honor the angels and the wonderful news that led to the men in that wonderful night. Although we can not see them or hear them, they are still the angels who bring us the message of God with thoughts of love and peace, joy and goodwill "
Its function
Given its origin, the crown Advent has a specifically religious function: to announce the approach of Christmas, especially children, to prepare himself to inspire the common prayer, to show that Jesus is the true light that overcomes the darkness and evil. The modern consumer if they have mastered, has prepared all forms, has made a plea Christmas ornament that is found not only in homes and churches, but also in shops, public squares, at concerts. Think of the large Advent wreath in the central square of Strasbourg. However, because of its structure and context in which it is inserted, it does not lose its symbolic value and, like any symbol, never ceases to speak, to question, to urge the search for meaning. Precisely because of this importance, it has taken root and spread in a fairly short time.
The symbolism of the Crown
The Advent wreath is an ode to nature that takes over your life when everything seems to end, a hymn to the light that overcomes the darkness, a hymn to Christ, true light, which is to win the darkness of evil and death. The Advent Wreath has a circular shape. The circle has, since ancient times, a sign of eternity and unity here indicates the sun and its yearly cycle, its continuous reproduction, and never run out, well expressed in the recurrence of the mystery of Christ. As the ring, which is all a continuum, the crown is also a sign of loyalty, fidelity to the promises of God. Given this it means the Advent wreath should maintain its circular shape and not become any flower arrangement with four candles. The crown is also a sign of royalty and victory. In ancient Rome intertwined laurel wreaths to be placed on the head of the winners of games or a war. Even today On graduation is given a laurel wreath. The Advent wreath has announced that it expects that the child is the king who conquers darkness with his light. The branches of the evergreen pine or fir that adorn the crown are the signs of hope and life that never ends, just eternal. That is the true crown should not be terracotta, ceramics, pulp and salt ... These branches also call the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, welcomed with arms and hailed as king and messiah. Even today, the Ambrosian liturgy places in Advent, the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. To adorn the crown using red ribbons or violet or red rose, symbol of the love of Jesus who became man, violet, sign of penance and conversion to prepare for his coming.
When lighting candles.
The candles are lit for a week, on Saturday evening or Sunday, when the whole family is reunited. Usually the power is reserved for smaller, because this tradition was created to prepare children for Christmas. During the week you can light the candles (one for the first week, two for second etc). When you pray and eat together, when a guest arrives ...
First Sunday of Advent Candle
prophet
Candle of Hope
Second Sunday of Advent Candle
Bethlehem
Candle of the universal call to salvation
Third Sunday of Advent Candle of Pastors
Candle of Joy
Fourth Sunday of Advent Candle
angels
Candela love
Texts partially taken from:
"The Advent Wreath - News of a Christmas tradition" by Gianfranco Venturi - EMP.
Please consult this book for additional material on Advent.
Source: www.Netcrim.org
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