The season of Anticipation is just about to hit a high note. This Sunday, we will light the final candle in the Advent wreath. But first…
One of the very first solos that I ever performed was at a Christmas pageant. And I was thrilled when I learned which hymn I would be singing: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
It was tough! Let me tell you. If you haven’t heard it, the tune is in a minor key and I truly had my work cut out for me. But I was so excited, and the words meant so much to me (even at the age of 12!) that I made it through.
For those of you who are musically inclined: in case you didn’t know, the “Late Advent Weekdays”, December 17-24, mark the singing of the Great Advent ‘O antiphons‘. Now, you may not be familiar with those diddies, but you may recognize the hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. And I have to tell you, it’s one of my all time faves.
But back to that fourth candle of ours.
It’s apparently known as the angels‘ candle, symbolizing the angels proclaiming Christ’s birth .
But there’s more. If you are enjoying this tradition, and are sad to see it coming to a close, I have a little surprise for you: there’s one more candle we can add and light together after this Sunday. I personally add a 5th candle in the center of my wreath. Let me tell you about it.
You can place a WHITE candle in the center of your wreath. I usually get the larger sized candle. It is the “Christ Candle”. It can be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to celebrate advent and the tradition of the wreath. You may not celebrate the same way as your neighbor, but that’s the beauty of it all. Simply find a wreath, add three purple candles, one pink and one white, and you are good to go for next year if you weren’t able to join us this year. (They’ll be on sale after the holidays if you want to find one now in prep for next year). 🙂
It’s been very special to share my annual tradition with YOU. For now, here’s to what has been, and is, and is to come.
One last thing. Be sure and read Luke chapter 2 on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year. Our family does, and believe me, there isn’t a dry eye in the place.
Merry, Merry Christmas my friend. I look forward to hearing from you about your ADVENT experience this year.
Stephanie
