Every year we get christmas cards wishing us a happy holiday and best wishes for the next year. You don’t have to go far before you find Christmas tidings. But for Christians it is so much more than just the presents and the family gatherings with yuletide songs playing in the background. It is a time of reflective remembrance upon the greatest gift of all; the gift of salvation through the birth of Jesus Christ. Reflective remembrance can happen in many ways, one important way is through Advent.
Celebration of Advent
Advent is a time that is set aside for the purpose of remembering the whole gift of salvation. The fullfillment of the promises made through the prohpets of a Savior that will become our sacrifice so that we can experience abundant eternal life. The celebration of Advent begins on the fourth sunday before Christmas eve with each sunday lighting a candle that represents hope, peace, joy, love and finally the fifth candle representinig Christ. Many churches find that by celebrating the Season of Advent, the brith of Christ has once again evolved in their hearts from something ordinary to the extraordinary miracle that it is, was and will alwyas be.
A great way to share with others this time of Advent can be through those wonderful cards and gifts. A simple framed image of the candles or a card with a verse quoting the scriptures of hope, peace, joy and love can bring the reminder that the season is actually the story of salvation. Advent Images can add that personal warm touch that brings a thoughtful creative remembrance to the season.