Episode 31 - Advent: A Season of Anticipation

SHOW NOTES

You have probably heard about Advent before, you may have celebrated it with your church or family! You might even use that Advent Calendar you purchased from your local bookstore (that sometimes included a chocolate or a small gift behind each door!)

But what is the real story of Advent, and why do we celebrate it each year in December?  

Kaylene and Jimm Derksen are our hosts this week, and they will be sharing how they celebrate Advent, the symbolic time of waiting that leads to Christmas.

There are 5 candles lit during Advent, each with their own meaning:

• Week 1 Candle – A sign of Hope - “The Prophecy Candle.”  Isaiah 11:1-9
• Week 2 Candle – A sign of Faith, a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s trip to Bethlehem.
• Week 3 Candle – A sign of Joy:  Joy at the birth of Jesus.
• Week 4 Candle – The Final Week of prayer and waiting for Jesus – reminds us of the message “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all Men.”
• Candle 5 -the Christ Candle – lit on Christmas Eve, a unique candle (usually white) that represents the life of Christ.

It’s a conversation that will linger with you the entire month and prepare your hearts for Christmas. Won’t you join us?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN PODCAST

• “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley

Moment to Breathe - Silent Night by by Joseph Mars & Franz Gruber

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

Christ the Savior is born!

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, oh, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Traditional

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• “Common Prayer Book – Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals” by Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro  
• Isaiah 11:1-9 (NIV)  

Learn how to make your own Advent Wreath!

Making a fresh wreath for Advent is an enjoyable exercise and can be done with family and friends as a yearly tradition.

Items needed for binding your wreath:

• wreath form of your choice (at local craft store)
• roll of green florist wire
• snips for cutting greenery
• greenery (any kind) pre-cut in short, similar-lengthed pieces
• gloves, if desired
• 4 long lasting candles, any kind
• candle holders to affix to the wreath

Begin by wrapping the wire one or two times around the wreath form and securing it.

Watch the video to see how to fill in the wreath.  Enjoy!!

This video will teach you how to make an Advent wreath. An Advent wreath is a wreath of evergreen foliage in which four candles are set, one to be lit on each Sunday of Advent.

• Reading (read toward the end of the podcast): – “Every Moment Holy” - A Liturgy to Mark the Start of the Christmas Season by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
  • Book
    

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