The beginning of Advent & Memories Treasured
This Sunday, December 2, marks the beginning of the Advent season in the Christian church calendar.
There are four Sundays in Advent. Each Week is marked on sunday with the lighting of another candle -- until on Christmas eve, all four candles are burning.
The Advent wreath is a German tradition -- a live evergreen wreath -- it can be big or it can be small. (Most church displays are very huge!!). Generally 3 pink candles and 1 purple candle are used in the wreath. The fresh evergreens are formed in an traditional circular form,, the everlasting, never-ending circle of faith. Often deep royal purple and pink velvet ribbons are also used to decorate the wreaths with other natural materials, such as large pine cones added. (It also smells wonderful if some cloves or cinnamin sticks are added!).
In our home, growing up, an advent wreath that we kids all helped make and decorate was placed on our dinner table each December. We lit the candles one by one every week during the season at dinner. There was a thougthful discussion about Christmas' true meaning, answers to some important & child-like questions and usually a word or two of prayer as we lit the candles.
As we continue into and thru the holiday season, we hope you take time to remember the Advent season, and share these types of traditions and meaningful parts of life with your children, or younger family members. These are our customs, our history our heritage and our legacy of the future.
If there is anything we can do to help you with your projects, or if you would like to just share a good memory, please feel free to call.
Wishing you a Joyous Noel!!
Cheryl at Parkway Florist