The Advent wreath is used to symbolically commemorate newness, eternal life, and the death and resurrection of the promised Messiah.

Traditionally, the Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches. It is often decorated with berries and pinecones. Both the evergreen branches and the circular shape symbolize the passing of time and eternal life. The shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, reflects the complete and endless love that Jesus has for us. During the Advent season, we eagerly anticipate his coming and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him

As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles. The candles represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness. A white candle is lit on Christmas Day to symbolize that Jesus is with us. This can be referred to as the "Christ candle."

Each Sunday in Advent, we light a candle on our Advent Wreath. The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.

· First candle: HOPE

· Second candle: PEACE

· Third candle: JOY

· Fourth candle: LOVE

Pick up your free Advent Devotions booklet on Sunday – a reading and reflection for each day in Advent.

Follow the Star -‘Calm and Bright’ booklets will be available in church at Midnight Mass (St John’s) on Christmas Eve, and at our Christmas Day services. These booklets take you through the 12 days of Christmas to the Eve of the Epiphany.

Have you checked out the Fruitful app? The Advent Devotions can be found there plus so much more…….Go to your App store on your phone.