Wednesday 9th December 2020: Advent Reflection: Norma Jenns

 

‘Memories are made of this’ was a love song made popular in the 70s by Mr C (aka Perry Como). Just the mention of the title may evoke memories and some of you may even be singing it in your head right now! Memories are important to us and traditions have a habit of bringing memories to the fore. For many, Advent is an example of this.

A memory I cherish is of sharing a Christmas meeting with Women’s Own. I decided to involve them in the process of preparing the Advent Wreath. For the display, I had on hand a crisp white tablecloth for the garland of Christmas greenery and the metal advent ring. Most importantly though I wanted to share with the ladies the meaning behind the tradition of the four red candles and single white candle that lay ready to be put into the ring.

I explained that a new candle would be lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas with the white candle being lit on Christmas Day and that each candle represented something different, although traditions do vary.

The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle’. The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.

The second candle represents faith and is called Bethlehem’s Candle. “Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble people like them.

The fourth candle. represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angel’s announced that Jesus came to bring peace. He came to bring people closer to God and to each other.

The white candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s Candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas day.

The Advent ring was now complete and ready to be placed in the Sanctuary. The ladies enjoyed their involvement in the preparation for our Services and we celebrated together at the end of the session with a chat and a cup of tea.

Sadly, as a casualty of the pandemic, this year’s meeting with Women’s Own was cancelled but we have been fortunate in finding other ways to keep in contact with one another. I’m sure that the ’new normal’ way of doing Church we are experiencing, will create many positive, lasting memories of Christmas 2020.

So, let’s joy in the celebration of lighting each of our candles during Advent now that we are able to worship ‘in person’ on Sunday mornings.