Last Christmas we were introduced to an Icelandic Christmas tradition in several homes we visited. It consisted of a wreath with four candles on it. Beginning the forth Sunday before Christmas the first candle is lit and each Sunday an additional candle is lit and then on Christmas Day all four candles are lit again. We discovered the tradition varied from family to family depending on where their ancestors came from (not all Icelanders are descended from Vikings). The symbolism of the wreath and candles we most often heard was 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, symbolising the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth. The accumulation of light each Sunday as an additional candle is lit is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.
The Nativity is the continuation of our tradition of putting up a Nativity every year since our first Christmas in Okinawa in 1968.
2 comments:
I so wish i could pick up the phone and call you right now. I am so excited to see you celebrate Advent. Advent is a very old Catholic celebration. In it's original form, it actually predates Christ and was a celebration of the returning sun, but the Catholic church adapted it and our family had adapted it even further to celebrate our own version of a Christ centered Christmas. As I finish typing this i am actually off to my table to read scriptures and talk about the Savior by the 3 candles Shawn has just lit on our own advent wreat as well. Have a great night and Happy Advent!
BTW this is Meredith, I didn't see the Charlie was signed in.
That is really a awesome tradition. I was hoping this year to buy a Nativity but haven't found one I like. When people ask Martin what Christmas is he tell them
" Christmas is a special birthday of Jesus Christ my big bother." I have to admit I am very proud of him.
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