Terra Sancta Guild Hand Enameled A Light Shines in The Night Advent Wreath, 8 1/2 Inch

Description

"A Light Shines In The Night". Solid cast and polished aluminum Advent wreath. 8 1/2" hand-enameled (colors may vary). Center Christ candle to be lit on Christmas Day. Candles sold separately. Wreath includes a card which explains the meaning behind the season of advent. The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four or five candles. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services. There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath. The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life. In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolizing the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth. Alternatively, the candles consecutively symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.