And so we watch, and wait, and stay alert, waiting again for the coming of Jesus. And we light a single candle in preparation for that glorious day.

Bailey posing for the picture...

Looking a little nervous when it was really time to light the candles.

Tonight was the first night we got to light the Advent Wreath. Pa Pa gave it to us last year to help get us ready for the holiday season! Since Bailey is the youngest, he got to light the first candle. Kaci read a prayer before our meal and got to be the first to blow it out.

Advent is celebrated the four Sunday’s before Christmas. This year Advent begins on November 29 and ends on Christmas Eve. It is the season that celebrates the “coming” of Christ. Christ has come as the baby Jesus long ago. Christ will come again in the future and Christ is waiting to come into our hearts

The Sunday’s of Advent - 2008
November 29
December 6
December 13
December 20
Christmas Eve - The end of Advent – Lighting of The Christ Candle

The wreath itself is also symbolic. The circle of evergreen in which the candles are placed represents everlasting life. The seedpods, nuts and cones used to decorate the wreath are symbolic of resurrection, and fruits represent the nourishing fruitfulness of the Christian life.

The kids enjoyed eating dinner with the candle lit and can't wait to light two candles next weekend. We have started our official countdown to Christmas and it can't get here soon enough for everyone!