Each Christmas season at our baptist church we celebrate Advent. This year our church has encouraged us to participate in the advent season with "Advent Family Devotions." The devotions have bible verses, song suggestions, and ways to have your own advent candle/wreath in your home. This is my first year learning about and celebrating advent in our home so I thought I would begin by purchasing an advent candle holder/wreath. I started my search for these items at my local Christian book store. I found two advent candle holders one for $18 and another for $30. Since I didn't have my coupons and they were not on sale I decided to wait. Later in the week I made a trip to a thrift store to find some treasures and wouldn't you know a beam of light shown down from heaven on an advent wreath for $3.99!!!! I proudly placed my wreath in my cart and took it to the check-out counter. When arriving at the counter a young man held up a raggedy old purse and told me I could reach my hand inside to pull out an additional discount! I was a bit nervous putting my had in the bag but with my bath and body works hand sanitizer strapped to my bag I reach inside to pull out an additional 10% off tag! I took home my wreath and gave it a bath...
I then let it dry for about a half a day next to my heater vent....
Then I decorated it with 4 red candles and a string of battery powered lights...
In the middle I placed a tile with a verse on it, although you may place an additional candle in the center to light on Christmas day symbolizing Christ. Also traditionally each candle has a specific color with a symbolic meaning although I chose to have all red candles to match my home decor.
My goals this advent season are to use the candle wreath and complete the family devotions and suggested song each night before or after dinner. I also want to learn more about the advent tradition and meaning! Next Christmas I will know even more about advent to teach to my baby!! Please use this PDF link below to print off the suggested readings and songs for celebrating advent in your home!
(PDF taken from Cornerstone Baptist Church: http://www.cbcroseville.org)
Great wreath, Jessica! I'm still being cheap and just using candles I have on hand, but one day I'll go out and buy a wreath...maybe if I find one like you did =)
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