Yesterday was the first Sunday of advent and Benny and I had the honor of sharing the lighting of the first candle (Prophecy Candle) of our Advent Wreath and our table with family and special friends. And by the way, I am a good ole southern baptist girl! A couple of years ago I started having a longing for a more simple Christmas time. One that helped me realize and celebrate Jesus, the Messiah, my Savior. Since losing daddy, I am learning to walk with one foot in heaven and one on earth. I searched for other traditions, wanting to be careful that it wasn't something else to do just for the sake of "tradition". I settled on the Jesse Tree and the Advent Wreath. It is becoming very special for my home.
Our wreath is homemade (keeping it simple and real). Beautiful Advent Wreaths are available for purchase as well. Benny provided the beautiful pine cones he found on the side of the road. Most wreaths have greenery, but I chose to keep mine more rustic this year.
The world will tell you that Christmas is a magical time of year. But I tell you - what's magical about Christmas is a Person. His name is Jesus. He came to bring light into the world. It's not magic, it's spiritual and it's real.
The History of the
Advent Wreath
The symbolism of the Advent wreath is beautiful. The circle of the
wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the
immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine
cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and
resurrection. All together, the wreath depicts the immortality of our soul and
the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of
the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over
sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.
On the first
Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically
called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets,
primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents hope
or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah. (December 6, 2015)
On the
second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically
represents love. Some traditions call this the "Bethlehem Candle,"
symbolizing Christ's manger. (December
13, 2015)
On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit.
This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds Candle"
and it represents joy. (December
20, 2015)
The fourth and last purple candle, oftentimes called the "Angels
Candle," represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of
Advent. (December 27, 2015.)
On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is traditionally lit. This
candle is called the "Christ Candle" and represents the life
of Christ that has come into the world.
The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless,
pure Savior. Also, those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins
and made whiter than snow.
Celebrating with an Advent wreath during the weeks prior to Christmas
is a great way for Christian families to keep Christ at the center of
Christmas, and for parents to teach their children the true meaning of
Christmas. In family practice, the Advent wreath is most appropriately lit at
dinner time after the blessing of the food. A traditional prayer service using
the Advent wreath proceeds as follows:
On the First Sunday of Advent, the father of the family blesses the
wreath, praying: O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy
blessing upon this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts
for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.” He then continues for each of the days of the
first week of Advent, O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg You, and come, that by
Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our
sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”
During the second week of Advent, the father prays: O Lord, stir up our
hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming
we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”
During the third week of Advent, the father prays: O Lord, we beg Thee,
incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the
grace of Thy visitation. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”
Finally, the father prays during the fourth week of Advent, O Lord,
stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that
with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins
impede. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen.”
Since Advent is a time to stir-up our faith in the Lord, the
wreath and its prayers provide us a way to augment this special preparation for
Christmas. Moreover, this good tradition helps us to remain vigilant in our
homes and not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.
The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness by Erwin W. Lutzer
The purpose is to set aside time
for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life,
death, burial and resurrection.
The Tradition of the Jesse Tree 
There are so many different ways you can create your Jesse tree. You can use a traditional Christmas tree, a cutout of green felt, a wooden painted tree or the ideas are limitless. For all the creative minds anyway. I have to stick to the simple. There are lots of resources online for ideas and for ornaments too. You put an ornament on the tree everyday in December until Christmas (list below). Each ornament tells the story of the genealogy of Christ. 
Jesse Trees are a very old Christmas Tradition and first started in
medieval times. They are used to help tell the story of the Bible from creation
to the Christmas Story.
