Ascension : Church News
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 15.12.2011 (Article Archived on 29.12.2011)

Advent calendars and Advent wreathes are familiar to us but the real teaching of Advent is easily lost in the frenzied preparations for Christmas.

St. Mary’s Church

 Ascension Island (Diocese of St.Helena)

From: FATHER CHRISTOPHER BROWN

Advent calendars and Advent wreathes are familiar to us but the real teaching of  Advent is easily lost in the frenzied preparations for Christmas. Advent used to be known as “The Lent of St. Martin” because it was a time for reflection upon judgement and the last days. It’s a serious theme which explains the use of violet or purple on the altar and in the vestments of the church.

With all the preparations for Christmas certain distinct Advent truths are easily lost : for example that Christ came to disturb people and to stir them out of their complacency. On Sunday last, children at St. Mary’s lit two of the four candles of the Advent wreath and learned about the symbolism of this popular church decoration.

The four red candles (one for each Sunday in Advent) stand for : Hope, Peace, Love, and  Joy. The large white central candle stands for Jesus in whom we find the highest expression of hope, peace, love and joy.

The “hope” candle is always lit on the first Sunday in Advent when we reflect on the People of God who looked forward with hope to the coming of a  Saviour. 

The “peace” candle is lit on the second Sunday in Advent when we reflect on the teaching of the Prophets who prepared people for the coming of God’s messiah.

The “love “ candle is lit to remind us that in Christ, God’s gift of love was coming into the world. On this Sunday John the Baptist, his teaching and significance is reflected upon.

The fourth candle is lit for the Virgin Mary ; this is the candle of “joy”,the joy which we feel when we have found Jesus  and know him as our Saviour and Lord.

The central candle, the large white one, is for Jesus Himself and it is lit at the mid-night service. It reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World and when we follow Him we have the true light of life.