The season of Advent

Because the season of Advent began on Sunday, we spent Saturday morning decorating the Church for Christmas. Many hands come together to make a spectacular scene. The large tree was put up, the Angel tree, an additional tree in the Ed Bldg., all the banners and wreathes, lights in windows, scenery in Ed Bldg., and the Nativity scene outside for our Living Nativity, plus much more.

The Sanctuary and Big tree

The altar

Some banners...or throws...we have hung as banners

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24).
The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a wreath with 4 candles, one to be lit each Sunday during Advent. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end.The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6).The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope. The second candle has a varied meaning depending on the churches focus. The third candle, usually for the Third Sunday of Advent, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ. The fourth candle is similar to the second, and the meaning varies. The center candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.
The above information on Advent was taken from http://www.cresourcei.org/cyadvent.html. I just wanted to include it so everyone could begin to understand Advent and what it is in our Christian lives. Any questions...see my husband. :)