Advent 2021: Importance of the Advent wreath and preparation for Christmas

The eve of the Sunday closest to November 30 that ends before Christmas Eve are closer than ever. The Sundays of the Christmas holidays are named; first, second, third and fourth Sunday of Advent. From December 16 to 24 –In which the Christmas novena is celebrated– we tend to prepare for these important dates.

The ‘season of advent’ lasts four weeks. This 2021 will start on Sunday, November 28 and will run until Decembre 19th.

There are two periods. In the first one, the eschatological aspect –related to the part of Christian theology– appears with greater importance. waiting for the glorious coming of Christ. At this time the readings of the Mass invite the parishioners to live the hope in the coming of the Lord. Both his coming at the end of time, his coming today, every day, and his arrival two thousand years ago.

Instead, the second period focuses in the preparation of Christmas, which invites us to live with more joy due to the proximity of the date of fulfillment that God had promised. The Gospels of these days already prepare us directly for the birth of Jesus.

We have four weeks in which Sunday to Sunday the arrival of the Lord is prepared. Next, we will explain one by one:

1. The first of the weeks Advent is centered on the coming of the Lord at the end of time. The liturgy invites us to be awake, maintaining a special attitude of conversion.
2. The second week he invites us, through the Baptist, to “prepare the ways of the Lord”; that is, to maintain an attitude of permanent conversion. Jesus continues to call us, because conversion is a journey that is followed throughout life.

What You Should Know About Advent

1. The third week He already foreshadows messianic joy, since the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer and closer.
2. Finally, the fourth week it already tells us about the advent of the Son of God to the world. Mary is a figure, central, and her waiting is a model that stimulates our waiting.

Behind the advent wreath

The Advent wreath is an element that Sunday to Sunday accompanies believers to the celebration of the Jesus birth, in turn, he invites them to wait with enthusiasm, reflect on their arrival and prepare them for the great celebration.

But, What should the advent wreath have?, we explain its details:

Circular shape: It symbolizes that God’s love is eternal, since it has no beginning and no end.

After Christ the King comes the reflection for Advent

Green Branches: The green color means hope, which we keep in mind in our preparation for the arrival of Jesus.

Five candles: Those that signify the four Sundays before the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Which we will gradually turn on, one every Sunday.

The rite of lighting each of the crown candles means to perform an internal reflection about how we have lived our life up to that moment, so we can see what we need to change and we can prepare ourselves spiritually to receive Jesus in our hearts.

Red ribbon: It symbolizes God’s love for us and our love for God.

Place an advent wreath invites family union, as it unites the family to reflect and pray. After this moment, a space can be granted to talk, have dinner or simply enjoy each other’s company. (F)