Advent is the season that begins four Sundays before Christmas and marks the start of the Christian year. The word Advent means “coming,” and during this time we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ, both celebrating His birth in Bethlehem and looking forward to His promised return. It is a season of waiting, reflection, and hope, symbolized by the lighting of the Advent wreath and the gradual brightening of candles as Christmas draws near. Each week focuses on one theme: hope, peace, joy, and love, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the light that shines in the darkness.

The Advent wreath is one of the most familiar symbols of the season. Its circular shape represents God’s eternal love, with no beginning and no end, while the evergreen branches remind us of the life we have in Christ. Each Sunday during Advent, a new candle is lit on the wreath, marking our journey toward the celebration of Christ’s birth.

The wreath holds four outer candles, three purple and one pink, surrounding a white Christ candle in the center. As the weeks pass and more candles are lit, the growing light reminds us that the coming of Christ brings light to the world.

The First Candle: Hope
Also called the Prophet’s Candle, it reminds us of the hope foretold by the prophets who awaited the coming of the Messiah.

The Second Candle: Peace
Known as the Bethlehem Candle, it represents the peace that Jesus brings into our world and our hearts.

The Third Candle: Joy
The pink Shepherd’s Candle marks a turn from waiting to rejoicing, as the shepherds received the good news of great joy.

The Fourth Candle: Love
The Angel’s Candle reminds us of the love of God revealed through the birth of His Son.

The Christ Candle
Lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the white candle at the center represents Christ Himself, the Light of the World who has come to dwell among us.

The Hanging of the Greens is a special service that marks the beginning of the Advent season. During this time, we decorate the sanctuary  with evergreens, wreaths, candles, and other symbols of the season to prepare our space and hearts for the coming of Christ. Each decoration carries meaning, reminding us of God’s promise of life and renewal.

Evergreens represent eternal life, the wreath’s circular shape reflects God’s unending love, and the lights and candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the World.

One of the most meaningful parts of this service is decorating the Christmas tree with Chrismons, which are white and gold ornaments made from ancient Christian symbols. The word Chrismon comes from “Christ monogram.” Each design represents an aspect of Jesus’ life, ministry, or identity—such as the cross, fish, crown, or shepherd’s staff. The white symbolizes purity and the gold represents majesty and glory. By hanging Chrismons on the tree, we celebrate the story of Christ and declare Him as the true reason for the season.

The Christmas season is often filled with joy and celebration, but for many, it can also be a time of grief, loneliness, or longing. Our Blue Christmas Service offers a quiet, reflective space for those who are hurting or struggling during the holidays. Through prayer, scripture, and gentle music, we acknowledge both the hope of Christ’s coming and the pain that many carry into this season.

It’s a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, God’s light still shines — bringing comfort, peace, and the promise that we are never alone.