The season of Anticipation is just about to hit a high note. This Sunday, we will finally light that pink candle in the wreathe that we’ve all been looking at and wondering about. So, here it is. The scoop on the Rose Colored Candle.
And, 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.
One of the very first solos that I ever performed was at a Christmas pageant. And I was thrilled when I was told it was that very hymn I would be singing. 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. But back to that fourth candle of ours.
It’s apparently known as the angels‘ candle, symbolising the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ’s birth .
Now, I have a surprise for you. If you like, there’s one more candle we can add and light together after this Sunday. I personally add a 5th candle. Let me tell you about it. You can put it in the center of your wreath, and they usually suggest that it be white. It is the “Christ Candle”. It can be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Just so you know, 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 don’t let that throw you. Get a green wreathe (green represents eternity), try to find 3 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 special after the holidays if you want to get ready now. 🙂
It’s hard to believe that it’s almost here! The culmination of everything we’ve been looking forward to – together. And I can tell you, it’s been very special to share my annual tradition with YOU.
So, here’s to what has been, is, and is to come.
One last thing…if you can, try to squeeze in the reading of Luke chapter 2 on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day this year- do it. 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 how ADVENT was for YOU this year.
Stephanie
