It is the first Sunday of Advent and time to light the first candle of the Advent Wreath.
The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles stand in the circle and each one represents one of the four Sundays of Advent. In the centre of the circle is a fifth candle, the Christ Candle, which is lit on Christmas Day.
The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end.
The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.
Traditionaly, the theme of the first Advent Sunday is God's people - the Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
We'd love to hear about any visits to church where you have seen the lighting of the advent calender.
