Advent Season
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The Advent season is a time of preparation for our hearts and minds for the anniversary of the Lord’s birth on Christmas.
Week One: HopeSunday, November 29 through Saturday, December 5, 2020
Thousands of years ago, the faithful held fast to the prophecies that the Messiah would arrive, and they ardently hoped that God would fulfill His promises to them. The first week of Advent honors that longing. Church sermons may exhort us to contemplate His coming and to reach out to Him knowing that He will lead us through the darkness.
Advent Wreath Traditions
Before dinner or the evening prayers, the youngest child lights one purple candle. The father, or head of the family, says this prayer:
“Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we pray thee and come; that, defended by Thee, we may deserve rescue from approaching dangers brought on by our sins, and being set free by Thee, obtain our salvation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”
Keep the candle lit through the evening meal or prayers.
Jesse Tree Traditions
Set up the Jesse tree on Sunday. This can be a banner or image, branches or actual tree. Each day, add an ornament symbolizing a person or story from the Bible.
- Monday: An apple to represent Adam and Eve.
- Tuesday: A rainbow or Ark to represent the story of Noah and the flood.
- Wednesday: Stars to represent Abraham and the covenant.
- Thursday: A ram to represent the offering of Isaac.
- Friday: A ladder for Jacob’s dream.
- Saturday: The coat of many colors symbolizing Joseph and God’s providence.
Week Two: PeaceSunday, December 6 through Saturday, December 12, 2020
We are called to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Sermons may focus on the messages of repentance and forgiveness that John the Baptist preached as he prepared the way for Jesus. During this week, we are asked to call on God to move us to action for He will answer if we do so.
Advent Wreath Traditions
Before dinner or the evening prayers, the oldest child lights two purple candles. The father, or head of the household, says this prayer:
“Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the ways of Thine only-begotten Son, that through His coming we may be worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”
Keep the candles lit through the evening meal or prayers.
Jesse Tree Traditions
Add these ornaments each day:
- Sunday: A burning bush to represent Moses and the burning bush.
- Monday: A lamb to represent the Israelites and Passover.
- Tuesday: Tablets to symbolize the 10 commandments.
- Wednesday: A ram’s horn trumpet to represent Joshua the fall of Jericho.
- Thursday: A clay water pitcher to symbolize the story of Gideon and God’s power.
- Friday: Grain to signify the faithfulness of Ruth.
- Saturday: A crown to represent Samuel and the beginning of the kingdom.
Week Three: JoySunday, December 13 through Saturday, December 19, 2020
The week begins with Gaudete Sunday. This is the turning point in Advent where we move from hope and preparation to rejoicing. Gaudete means “rejoice” in Latin. The spirit of the Advent celebration lightens. This week is a time to be joyous because salvation is at hand.
Advent Wreath Traditions
Before dinner or the evening prayers, the mother lights the rose-colored candle plus two purple candles and says this prayer:
“Incline Thine ear to our prayers, O Lord, we beseech Thee; and make bright the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”
Keep the candles lit through the evening meal or prayers.
Jesse Tree Traditions
Add these ornaments each day:
- Sunday: A shepherd’s crook or harp to represent David, a shepherd to the people.
- Monday: A stone altar to symbolize how Elijah fought false Gods.
- Tuesday: A tent to signify the reign of Hezekiah.
- Wednesday: A hot coal to represent Isaiah’s call to holiness.
- Thursday: Tears to represent the challenges of Jeremiah the prophet.
- Friday: A stone watchtower to represent Habakkuk’s patient waiting.
- Saturday: A wall to signify Nehemiah’s rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, and his people.
Week Four: LoveSunday, December 20 through Thursday, December 24th, 2020
In this last week before Christmas, we focus on God’s love as we prepare for the Good news. After all, there is no greater Love than His. Sermons may focus on the love and faithfulness of Joseph to both God and Mary, for even though Jesus was God’s child, Joseph listened to God and cared for Him as his own.
Advent Wreath Traditions
Before dinner or the evening prayers, the father lights all four candles and says this prayer:
“Bestir, O Lord, Thy might, we beseech Thee, and come; and with great power come to our aid, that, by the help of Thy grace, that which is hindered by our sins may be hastened by Thy merciful forgiveness. Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”
Keep the candles lit through the evening meal or prayers.
Jesse Tree Traditions
Add these ornaments each day:
- Sunday: A scallop shell to represent John the Baptist.
- Monday: A white lily to represent Mary and the annunciation.
- Tuesday: A mother and child to represent Elizabeth’s announcement to Mary.
- Wednesday: A pencil and tablet to signify Zechariah and the naming of his son.
- Thursday: A carpenter’s hammer to represent Joseph.
- Friday: A manger to symbolize the birth of Jesus.
- Saturday: Chi-Ro, the first two letters of the word for Christ in Greek, to symbolize Christ.
By celebrating each week of Advent, we add much-needed spiritual depth to the Christmas season. We transform what may have been a one- or two-day gift-giving celebration into an entire month of recognizing and honoring the faithfulness of God.
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