December is fast approaching, and many children are looking forward to opening the first window of their advent calendars to start the countdown to Christmas Day. As we embark on the season of Advent it is a good time to reflect on why it is important to Christians. The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word adventus meaning ‘coming or arrival’. The season of Advent was first introduced into the Christian calendar in the 5th century AD and was a time of fasting and reflection. Today, Advent marks the beginning of the Church year and begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas - Advent Sunday. It refers to a four-week season observed by Christians as a time of waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and looking ahead to His return to the earth in glory at the Second Coming.

An Advent Wreath, or Advent Crown, will be displayed in churches leading up to Christmas. This tradition was introduced into Britain from Northern Europe in the nineteenth century. It is typically made of evergreen branches which do not lose their leaves in winter and represent the promise of eternal life through Jesus. The circular shape of the wreath represents the eternal nature of God - His never-ending love, mercy, and faithfulness. The wreath has four candles on the outside and one in the middle. One outer candle is lit each Sunday marking the progression of the four weeks of Advent. There are several different ways of understanding the meaning of these candles including the representation of Biblical figures - the Patriarchs, the Prophets, John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary, and the representation of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The first candle will be lit at church services on Sunday 1st December. On Christmas Day, which marks the culmination of the Advent season, the central Christ Candle will be lit to symbolise the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World.

Advent is a time to remember Jesus’ birth and to prepare for Christmas, a great time of celebration, but it also provides us with an opportunity for renewal of hope as we pray for peace and love to fill the world and are mindful that God has promised that Jesus our Saviour will return to Earth.