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Advent: A Season of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace

Here we are once again in December. Many people throughout the world are frantically shopping for gifts, decorating their homes, and planning holiday celebrations with loved ones. For Christians, Advent is a time to slow down. We wait in anticipation of Christ’s birth in the season leading up to Christmas.

We light Advent candles each week, for hope, love, joy, and peace. Jesus provides all four of those things to this world. Advent is a season of hope. It is a time to wait for the coming of the Lord, and the hope and joy He brings to all mankind.

Salem celebrates every year with a beautiful cantata; it will be held this Sunday. We will light the candle for joy, which is also the title of the cantata. We await the coming of the Lord with joy.

For me, Advent is a semi-new concept. The church I attend with my family does not celebrate with the lighting of a candle each week. I had heard the term Advent, but never knew what it really was or meant.

The churches where I work have provided me an education on what it means. When watching their church services during Advent, for me it provides beautiful imagery of different families or groups lighting a symbolic candle in the wreath. The beauty of the lights on the Christmas tree add a magical backdrop as the candles are lit each week during Advent.

While December can be a busy month, it is also a time of preparation. “During Advent we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and await Christmas, the celebration of the coming of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.” (https://www.sadlier.com/religion/liturgical-seasons)

I pray you find time this month to slow down, listen to the prayers, and watch as the candles are lit. Advent is truly a beautiful and magical time in the liturgical calendar. May you find hope, love, joy, and peace this Advent season.

Shari Van Baale
Communications Coordinator


Tags: Weekly Word