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Send This EcardAdvent, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Christ and celebration of Nativity has begun. In other words, Christmas is here. The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. The spirit of expectation, exultation, anticipation has already gripped me; the preparation for Christmas and the coming year as well as a longing to be delivered from the evils of the world has also cast its spell on me. What about you?
The Advent wreath-It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center, to be lit each Sunday. Each Advent candle has a specific meaning associated with different aspects of the Advent story. The first symbolizes hope. The others are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to peace, love and joy. The third (and sometimes fourth) is generally symbolic of joy at the imminence of the coming of Christ.
To make an Advent wreath, begin with a Styrofoam circle, available at craft shops, and cut four evenly spaced holes into which you will place the four candles. Traditionally there are three purple candles and one rose candle (for the third Sunday), but blue candles can also be used. Purple reminds us to turn our hearts toward God; rose is a color of joy. Place fresh evergreen branches over the Styrofoam. Replace them when they dry out in order to preserve the symbolism of the vitality of God's love.
Advent Calendar is a way to keep children involved in the entire season. There are a wide variety of Advent calendars, cards or posters with windows that can be opened, to reveal some symbol or picture associated with the Old Testament story leading up to the birth of Jesus. The world's biggest Advent Calendar is in Gengenbach(Germany) at the front of the city hall.One unique and specialized Advent calendar that can be used is a Jesse Tree.
For more calenders:
http://www.electricdecember.org/06/calendar/
http://www.cresourcei.org/jesse.html
So, fill your hearth and heart with warmth and love to welcome the coming of Christ, our savior. Reach out to all you near and dear ones sending warm wishes through these beautiful Advent Ecards from: