A season of anticipation and hope. In the Church calendar Advent marks the beginning of the Church year and commences on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
Join us as we explore the message of Advent, expressed with familiar Christmas symbols and in the language of flowers.
HOPE...the first candle is a candle expectation or hope. The first Advent, the birth of Christ, established a new Kingdom of God on earth. Christians also live in expectation of a second Advent in which Jesus will again reveal himself in the world.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is being sure of what we hope for...
Romans 15:3 May the God of hope fill you...
The Magi followed a special star in faith believing it would lead them to the new king. We have used the star as our symbol of Hope. In the floral decorations we have used Angelica (meaning 'Soaring Thoughts'), Camellia (Loveliness), and Ornithaligum (common name "the Star of Bethlehem").
PEACE...the second candle of Advent is the Peace candle. Jesus said "My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives." (John 14:27) The Lord's peace is a real and present peace. The dove has long been used as a symbol of peace. It is also the symbol of the Holy Spirit. In the florals we have particularly used Ivy (Faithfulness) and Holly (Foresight). Anthurium (the Peace Lily) is the primary flower.
JOY...the third candle is commonly known as the shepherds candle. As the angel spoke: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people" Luke 2:10.
As opposed to 'happiness' a Christian's joy is not dependent on circumstances but comes from knowing what Christ has done and is constant. We have used the bell as our symbol of joy, and as many flowers with bells that we could find! Amongst them are Campanula (meaning Constancy) and Parsley (Rejoice!) We have also added Stock (Lasting Beauty).
LOVE ...the last candle. The Love candle reminds us of the love of the Father; "for love comes from God" 1 Jn 14:7, and of Christ's commandment to love "Love one another as I have loved you." Jn 15:9 The heart is the symbol of love, and the Rose the undisputed flower of love.
THE CHRIST CANDLE... marks the culmination of Advent. "Christ is born, the light has come." Reminding us that jesus, the light of the world comes into the darkness of our lives bringing newness, life and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world and to reflect the light of God's grace to others. The altar flowers include Mint (Wisdom), Bay (Glory), Birch (Grace), Angelica (Soaring Thoughts) and Christmas Lilies (Majesty). The Lily flower is also symbolic of the Virgin Mary.
THE CROSS... is the reminder of what Jesus has done for us that gives real meaning to the celebration of Christmas. The cross is decorated with Rosemary (Remembrance) and white Chrysanthemums (Truth). Jesus said "I am the way , the truth and the life. John 14:27.
THE ADVENT WREATH... is rich in symbolism. The circle reminds us of God, Himself; his eternity and endless mercy which has neither beginning nor end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope we have in God, hope of newness, renewal, of eternal life. The candles are in the traditional colours. Purple for majesty, to match the seasonal sanctuary colours. The shepherds candle is traditionally rose pink, and the Christ candle always white, the colour of purity.
We invite you to light a candle... to stay... pray... reflect.
It is our prayer that your Christmas season will be rich with the spirit of Advent.