We hope you will join us on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings during this season. Information and service times are below.
Why does the church year begin at Advent, what is the history of Advent, and what is the history behind the Advent candles and wreath?
The word “advent" is from the Latin word for “coming,” and as such, describes the “coming” of our Lord Jesus Christ into the flesh.
Advent begins the church year because the church year begins where Jesus' earthly life began — in the Old Testament prophecies of his incarnation. After Advent comes Christmas, which is about his birth; then Epiphany, about his miracles and ministry; then Lent, about his Calvary-bound mission; then Easter, about his resurrection and the sending of the apostles; and then Ascension (40 days after Easter) and Pentecost, with the sending of the Holy Spirit.
The first half of the church year (approximately December through June) highlights the life of Christ. The second half (approximately June through November) highlights the teachings of Christ. The parables and miracles play a big part here. That's "the church year in a nutshell," and it should help reveal how Advent fits into "the big picture."
Advent specifically focuses on Christ's "coming," but Christ's coming manifests itself among us in three ways — past, present, and future.
The readings which highlight Christ's coming in the past focus on the Old Testament prophecies of his incarnation at Bethlehem. The readings, which highlight Christ's coming in the future, focus on his "second coming" on the Last Day at the end of time. And the readings that highlight Christ's coming in the present focus on his ministry among us through Word and Sacrament today.
The traditional use of Advent candles (sometimes held in a wreath) originated in eastern Germany even prior to the Reformation. As this tradition came down to us by the beginning of this century, it involved three purple candles and one pink candle.
The purple candles matched the purple paraments on the altar (purple for the royalty of the coming King). The pink candle was the third candle to be lit (not the fourth) on Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, which is taken from Phil. 4:4.
("Rejoice! ... the Lord is near"). Hence a "pink" candle was used to signify "rejoicing." Some also included a white "Christ candle" in the middle to be lit during the 12 days of Christmas (Dec. 25 to Jan. 5).
What are Vespers?
VESPERS, meaning “evening” (from the Latin vespers), was originally known as lucernarium, as candles or lamps were lit in the course of its liturgy. Vespers was originally part of the night office, but by the time of St. Benedict (ca. AD 480-543), it was transferred to the early evening or late afternoon. Along with Matins, Pastor Martin Luther retained Vespers as a daily office of preaching, praise, and prayer. In structure, Vespers is very similar to Matins, as both series provide for praise of God in psalmody, hymns, and canticles; the opportunity for the reading and proclamation of God’s Word; and space for the prayers of the faithful.
How can I explain Advent to my children?
What is Advent?
Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year. Advent is made up of the four Sundays that come right before Christmas. In other words, the deeper into Advent you go, the closer you get to Christmas Day. For Christians, the First Sunday in Advent is kind of like the “New Year’s Day” of the Church Year calendar.
Why do we celebrate Advent?
The word Advent means “coming.” During Advent, we prepare for the coming of the One who was born that first Christmas in a stable. We prepare for the One who saved us from sin, death and the power of the devil: our Lord Jesus Christ! What a wonderful and exciting time of preparation!
What is the Advent wreath?
The Advent wreath is the circle of candles (and/or evergreen branches) that you see in the sanctuary during the season of Advent. Some Advent wreaths hang from the ceiling of the sanctuary while others are placed on a floor stand. Either way, the Advent wreath is one of the many beautiful things you’ll see around the church during Advent.
How do we use the Advent wreath?
It used to be that the Advent wreath was used in the home to help count the four weeks of Advent. Now you can find them in homes as well as in the church sanctuary. Each Sunday in Advent, a new candle on the wreath is lit. For example, during the first week in Advent, only one candle is lit. During the second week in Advent, two candles are lit. We do this to remember and prepare for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World!
What is the Advent of Christ, and what is the rest of the Advent story?
As you may remember, the word Advent means “coming.” During the season of Advent, we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. But that is not the only coming of Jesus that we hear about in the Advent story.
The Advent of Christ has three parts. God’s Word tells us that Jesus not only came to earth as a man at Christmas, but that He comes to be with His church through His Word and Sacraments. Finally, God’s Word reminds us that He will return in judgement on the Last Day. If you think about it, there sure are a lot of great things to remember and look forward to during the season of Advent!
What does it mean when four candles have been lit on the Advent wreath?
You’ve been preparing and patiently waiting for that wonderful day of celebration. When four of the candles on the Advent wreath have been lit, it means that Christmas is almost here! That’s right! The day on which we remember the birth of our Savior is right around the corner!
The Fourth Sunday in Advent — Today is the last Sunday of preparation for the birth of Jesus. Next week the Church will celebrate Christmas Day, one of the most important days of the whole year. As you can see, Advent has prepared us for the coming of Jesus, our wonderful Savior from sin!
