First week of Advent

Most of our Christmas traditions and customs come from the Northern hemisphere where Christmas is celebrated in winter, a time when people slow down and naturally feel drawn to spend more quiet time in contemplation, sitting with the family around the advent wreath on a cosy winter evening. For those of us celebrating Christmas in summer, this might not feel so natural. As summer is coming, we feel more energetic, we’re drawn to busy ourselves with activities and spend time outdoors. Our days have fewer dark hours to be illuminated by candlelight.

So what we are called to do during Advent – to spend time in contemplation as we anticipate the birth of Christ – might not feel as natural for us in this part of the world. Yet as believers we are called to do this no matter where we are in the world. To light the first candle on our advent wreath today, take some time to sit with it and pray, slow down and connect with Christ. Spend time in gratitude for the gift of hope God has given us through His Son.

If you don’t have an advent wreath yet, I encourage you to make one. It doesn’t need to be a masterpiece – a simple arrangement of four candles will do just fine. The first of Advent invites us to reflect on the theme of hope and what it means to place our hope in Christ. 

Wishing you all a blessed first Advent.

Anna Veith