ADVENT DEVOTIONS FOR FAMILY AND PERSONAL WORSHIP

An Introduction to Advent

Advent means "coming." It has historically tied the First Advent (the coming of Christ in the manger in Bethlehem) to the Second Advent (the coming of Christ again to the earth in Revelation 1:7, 19:11-16). Christians for many years have used this season to anticipate the celebration of Christmas on December 25.

The Advent Wreath: An advent wreath usually includes a simple wreath with five candles
- Four red candles will be lit each Sunday of December leading up to Christmas and each will symbolize one of the following themes: Hope Peace, Love, and Joy.
- One white candle in the center is called the "Christ Candle" and will be lit on Christmas Eve to represent Christ's birth.

Take a few minutes to read part or all of Luke 2 and think about the coming of Jesus Christ to the earth and what that means for you today. Think of ways you can focus on the hope that Christ brings to your life during this first week of Advent.

2008 LifeWay Christian resources