Hibiscus House: Advent What It Means

Advent what is the meaning? The first season of the Christian church, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays. Observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.

Themes in Advent

The candles of Advent symbolize Hope Peace Love and Joy. Most use a fifth candle called the Christ candle that is lit on Christmas to remind Christians of the light Jesus brings to the world.

There are three main candle colors symbolizing Advent: Purple, Pink for the third Sunday, White which symbolizes purity so is used the fifth for Christ Jesus. shown in the picture above

God's People: The Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place
The Old Testament Prophets: The Candle of Peace
John the Baptist: The Candle of Love
Mary the Mother of Jesus: The Candle of Joy

HOPE

1 Peter 1: 3-5 Praise to God for a Living Hope

3.Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4. and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you. 5. Who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

PEACE

1 Peter 3: 10-12

10. For "He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.

11. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

12. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil".

LOVE

1 Peter 1:22-23

22. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23. having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.

JOY

1 Peter 1: 6-9

6. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.7. that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8. whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. 9. receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls.