The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “a coming, approach, arrival.” It’s a way of focusing our minds at this busy time on the real reason for the season (spoiler: it’s Jesus).
We often use four candles at Advent to represent four themes: hope, peace, joy, and love.
We will be following this pattern throughout December:
Week 1 – Hope: Prophecy
Week 2 – Peace: Bethlehem
Week 3 – Joy: Shepherd’s
Week 4 – Love: Angel’s
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. – Isaiah 7:14
“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her – Luke 1:30
Do you have any fear inside that God could turn to love and hope, just as he did for Mary?
Mary’s Song of Praise:
“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands. He has helped his servant Israel and remembered to be merciful. For he made this promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and his children forever.”
Find somewhere quiet and give this a listen, asking God to speak to you through the song: