“At this Christmas when Christ comes, will He find a warm heart? Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.”
– Mother Teresa, Love: A Fruit Always in Season
In the Episcopal Church, Advent is the first season of the Liturgical Year. For the season, churches prominently mount an advent wreath somewhere near the Holy Table. The wreath is traditionally an evergreen wreath that symbolizes the never-ending love of God, and the everlasting life Jesus brings into the world. Four candles are mounted in the wreath, one for each Sunday of Advent. The church lights a candle to mark each Sunday. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent and continuing through to the fourth Sunday, a family or group from the church lights a candle in the wreath and says a special prayer to begin the service.
The New Year Begins
Special Advent activities began to be practiced sometime in the late 5th century. The first Sunday of Advent is designated as the beginning of a new liturgical year. In a liturgical year, one gospel is determined to be the focus gospel for the scripture that is read each Sunday in church. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent in December 2024, the focus gospel is the Gospel of Luke, otherwise known as Year C. In December 2025, the focus will change to Year A, or the Gospel of Matthew. In December 2026, the focus will change to Year B, or the Gospel of Mark. After that, the cycle begins again.
Lessons & Carols
Kids Corner
Source: The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/gospel-luke-1/