During the Advent season, the Church calls us to revive our awareness that God has come into this world. We anticipate the arrival of the Messiah – a baby, born to a carpenter and his wife, in a stable in Bethlehem. Jesus didn’t just come for his immediate community, but came for everyone – men and women, educated and uneducated, rich and poor, people of all faiths, people who don’t go to church at all, saints and sinners – everyone without exception.
The Advent Tree
The first Sunday of Advent (November 27th) marks another tradition of generosity at St. Clare of Assisi Parish. This is the weekend that the bare Advent Tree appears in the Sanctuary. This tree affords us the opportunity to show our less fortunate brothers and sisters that we are truly God’s people. The Advent Tree is a beautiful way to share God’s gifts. Involve your family and let their love extend to all who call on us to be the hands of Jesus during this most Holy Season. God bless and may the love and joy of Christmas be with you.
The Advent Wreath
It is thought that the origins of the Advent wreath live in the pagan customs of the far northern countries of Scandinavia – customs that originated long before the birth of Christ. Since the people couldn’t do farm work outdoors in the winter, they brought into their homes the wheels of their wagons, decorated them with greens, put candles on them, and hung them from the ceiling on a wire. Then they would twirl them to become a glowing prayer to the god of light in this time of winter darkness. Christians later adapted this custom to celebrate the coming birth of the the Light of the World. The four candles are lighted in succession on the Sundays of Advent. This custom began in homes, and has now become a prominent symbol in churches to mark the Advent season. *Excerpt from “The Little Blue Book” 2008-2009