Advent Wreath
In 2019, for the first time, we celebrated the Season of Advent. This is the period starting four Sundays earlier than Christmas Eve. We have adopted this tradition from our Christian ancestors and they from earlier Earth-Centred religions.
An evergreen wreath, representing life in the midst of death holds four candles representing the four directions and the four elements that constitute all matter. Candles and flames express the longing for spring, waiting for light and warmth. There are many theories about why early Christians chose the Winter Solstice as the time to celebrate the Birth of Jesus. The Roman celebration of the Sun was on December 25.
Advent stories vary. This can be a time for waiting, longing and hope for sunlight and warmth or a time for embracing the quiet coziness of darkness.
Advent – What is to Come
Nights grew long
Fear began to mount
Would there be enough food?
Did we gather enough wood?
Will the birds return?
Will we see the grass again?
Will the Sun heat up the soil?
Will the Sun warm our soul?
We wait again for the sun to give hope for another seedtime and harvest.
A Son is said to have come to give everlasting hope.
The Winter Solstice is chosen as a time to celebrate His birth.
Millions wait and hope for peace on earth, goodwill toward humankind.
Yet we still trust the sun to warm both the soil and our souls to share the gifts of the earth
We continue to place our hope in the rhythm of the sun.
Lorna M. Weigand, DHUC, 2020