Day 2
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12
Four Sundays before Christmas, the first Sunday of Advent, people often decorate churches and homes with evergreen wreaths to symbolize the everlasting love and life Jesus brings to us.
The tradition of Advent wreaths dates back almost 200 years. A German minister, who had grown tired of the daily questions from the children at his school about how many days remained until Christmas, created a wooden wreath with 24 candles to help them count down the days.
Advent wreaths are now typically made from evergreens intertwined to form a circle as a reminder that God’s love for us has no beginning and no end. Holly leaves, berries, pine cones and other types of greenery are often added. Learn more about the elements of an Advent wreath and how to make your own our Advent Activities page.
Advent calendars are another way to mark the season of preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus. While Advent calendars today usually have tiny doors to open, revealing a picture, Bible verse, or small treat, the tradition started much more simply.
During the 1800s, Christians in Germany marked the days of Advent with chalk on their front doors. Each day, children erased one mark as they counted down to Christmas.
The first commercial printed Advent calendar was introduced in Germany just after the turn of the century, with little doors to be opened each day to reveal a picture or Bible verse added by the 1920s.
Advent calendars in America grew in popularity after people saw President Dwight D. Eisenhower opening an Advent calendar with his grandchildren in the 1950s.
Consider
- Go on a nature walk to gather materials to make a wreath, or to enhance a wreath you already have. Consider inviting a neighbor, friend, or family member to go with you.
- Try setting aside a few hours to invite others to create Advent wreaths together.
- Mother Teresa encouraged us to, “Mark the season of Advent by loving and serving others with God’s own love and concern.” How will you bring light to the world by serving others this Advent season and beyond? Make a list of ideas, then create a plan to implement at least one of them during this season.
- The symbols of Advent are reminders to prepare room for Jesus, who came to be with us. As you count down the days to Christmas, what would it look like for you to make room? Shuffling your schedule? Eliminating items from your calendar? Something else?