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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Advent wreath, what do the candles mean? | Bible general Archive 1 | mare4christ | 70030 | ||
I am a new Christian and would like to know what the candles represent in the Advent wreath. Different churches say different things and would like some more information on this so I can better understand. Thanks | ||||||
2 | Advent wreath, what do the candles mean? | Bible general Archive 1 | Timothy Paul | 70031 | ||
greetings, mare4christ I searched, and could not find the specific answer to your question, but I found two questions and answers that may help you understand the meaning behind the tradition. I found this info at www.americancatholic.org in case you would like to research more thoroughly. Happy hunting, may God Bless your efforts. tim 1) What is the Advent wreath? The Advent wreath is one of our most popular Advent traditions. Its origin is in pre-Christian Germany and Scandinavia where the people gathered to celebrate the return of the sun after the winter solstice. The circular wreath made of evergreens with four candles interspersed represented the circle of the year and the life that endures through the winter. As the days grew longer, people lit candles to offer thanks to the "sun god" for the light. For us, the lighting of the Advent candles represents the promise of the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. To make an Advent wreath, begin with a Styrofoam circle, available at craft shops, and cut four evenly spaced holes into which you will place the four candles. Traditionally there are three purple candles and one rose candle (for the third Sunday), but blue candles can also be used. Purple reminds us to turn our hearts toward God; rose is a color of joy. Place fresh evergreen branches over the Styrofoam. Replace them when they dry out in order to preserve the symbolism of the vitality of God's love. Encourage children to participate as they are able, by gathering branches, placing the candles and so on. 2) Why is the rose-colored candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent? The third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete Sunday because in Latin, the first words of the opening antiphon for that day’s Mass are "Gaudete in Domino semper" ("Rejoice in the Lord always"). On this Sunday rose-colored vestments are permitted and the rose-colored candle is lit as a reminder that we are called to rejoice. |
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