Advent
We in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere have an experience of December which is quite different to Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. Here we too are waiting, but it is for the summer holidays, for examinations and their results, and for the end of the year. Images of reassessment, first-fruits, new birth and springtime link surprisingly well even with the readings of the Three Year Series and its derivative, the Revised Common Lectionary, both designed in the Northern hemisphere.
The Advent Wreath
:The Advent Wreath usually has four red or blue candles on a circle around a white or gold candle. The first candle is lit on the First Sunday in Advent, two on the Second, and so on until the central one is lit for Christmas.
Advent wreath blessing
Prayers at the Advent wreath