G-20

Camille Yasmeen C. Samson

IV-St. Dorothea

1. As Christian, what is the significance of advent season? Why do we need to prepare to the birth of
Jesus Christ?
Since Advent looks forward to Christ's birth and Incarnation, it is an appropriate way to begin
the Church Year. However, Advent is not part of the Christmas season itself, but a preparation for it.
Thus, Catholics do not sing Christmas hymns, or use Christmas readings, in Mass until December 25th,
the first day of the Christmas season.
Our worship, scripture readings, and prayers not only prepare us spiritually for Christmas (his
first coming), but also for his eventual second coming. This is why the Scripture readings during Advent
include both Old Testament passages related to the expected Messiah, and New Testament passages
concerning Jesus' second coming as judge of all people. Also, passages about John the Baptist, the
precursor who prepared the way for the Messiah, are read. All of these themes are present in Catholic
worship during Advent, which The Catechism succinctly describes: Secular culture and many non-
Catholic churches celebrate the day of Christmas, but take it outside of the context of Advent and
Christmastide. However, Christmas is not meant to be an isolated day, but a festival of the Incarnation in
the midst of the Church year. Christmas is only properly understood after having the preparation
provided by Advent. In the midst of the secular excesses leading up to Christmas, Advent provides a
welcome solace and an opportunity to continually re-orient ourselves to God's will as we expectantly
wait with patriarchs, prophets, and kings for the true meaning of Christmas: the Incarnation of God the
Son.

2. Identify the historical background of the advent wreath and the different symbolisms: wreath, candle
(colors), include an image of an advent wreath.

Many churches and families use an advent wreath to aid in the celebration of Christmas. An
advent wreath includes five candles. There are four candles, one for each Sunday leading to Christmas
and a fifth candle for Christmas day. The four Sunday candles are usually tapers. There are variations in
the coloring of the candles, often there are three purple and one pink candle. Occasionally, all of the
candles are purple. The central candle is usually a large white pillar candle.

The purple represents repentance. The pink symbolizes joy. The central candle is called the
Christ candle and is not lit until Christmas day. When you light the candle it is customary to read a few
verses of scripture that relate to meaning of the candle. Often the person who lights the candle recites a
short statement of belief and faith as the candle is lit and then everyone unites in prayer.

The First Candle (The Candle of Prophecy/Hope)

 The first candle is sometimes called the candle of prophecy because it symbolizes the promises the
prophets delivered as messages from God; promises that foretold Christ’s birth. Others consider the
candle to be a symbol of the hope we have in Christ and so it is called the Hope candle.

The Second Candle (The Candle of the Way)

The second candle shows that Christ is the Way. Christians are lost in sin and Christ is the Light
sent into the world to show them the way out of darkness.

The Third Candle (The Candle of Joy)

The third candle indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All
other joy is fleeting and does not last.

The Fourth Candle (The Candle of Peace)

The fourth candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts.
Without Christ there is no peace in this world.

The Fifth Candle (The Christ Candle or Christmas Candle)

The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their sins. It is a
celebration of the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s birth and hope in the final
fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians join him.

3. Why do we need to understand appreciate the importance of

advent wreath in our lives?

This means adding things to our life to improve ourselves and ridding our life of things, which
prevent us from being more like Jesus in our relationships.

Taking time prior to Christmas, to focus on who Jesus is and how faithfully we are to living His
commands, to love God and neighbor as ourselves is a good practice. Jesus came to save us from sin.
Advent helps us focus on gratitude and love for Jesus whose birth we celebrate on Christmas.