Symbols of Advent
The Church
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The church building itself is a powerful symbol. The actual building is a visible expression of God’s abiding presence amongst us. The ‘church’ is actually the People of God gathered, and the building is the place the People of God gather to worship and encounter God in the special sacraments and rites celebrated inside.
Vestments
There are special clothes worn by the priest as a symbolic sign of the importance of the events celebrated.
Lectern
The word lectern comes from the Latin word meaning ‘to read’. The lectern is a reading table from which the readings of the Holy Scriptures are read. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is a collection of writings detailing the journey of God’s relationship with God’s people across generations. It is the Sacred story of our faith and every time we gather to celebrate a ritual or a sacrament in the church, the word of God is central to that celebration.
Altar
This is a special table on which the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. The bread and wine are placed upon this altar and here they are blessed as we recall the Last Supper. We gather to do this action in memory of the Lord and we believe that as we do this, Jesus becomes present again to us, in the form of this meal, which we share and gain spiritual strength and grow in love for our Lord. Sacred vessels such as a communion cup or a ciborium symbolize the covenant God makes between humans and Himself.
Presider’s Chair
The chair represents the role of the priest as the leader of worship of the community, and his pastoral care and responsibility for the people. The bishop has a special chair in his main church and this chair is called a Cathedra. This chair symbolizes the leadership that the Bishop has over the whole area and his authority. The church where the bishop has his chair is called a “Cathedral” (which literally means ‘the place of the chair’). So a cathedral is not defined by its size but actually by the fact that it is the church where the ‘seat of authority’ of the Bishop is located.
Vestments
There are special clothes worn by the priest as a symbolic sign of the importance of the events celebrated.
Lectern
The word lectern comes from the Latin word meaning ‘to read’. The lectern is a reading table from which the readings of the Holy Scriptures are read. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is a collection of writings detailing the journey of God’s relationship with God’s people across generations. It is the Sacred story of our faith and every time we gather to celebrate a ritual or a sacrament in the church, the word of God is central to that celebration.
Altar
This is a special table on which the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. The bread and wine are placed upon this altar and here they are blessed as we recall the Last Supper. We gather to do this action in memory of the Lord and we believe that as we do this, Jesus becomes present again to us, in the form of this meal, which we share and gain spiritual strength and grow in love for our Lord. Sacred vessels such as a communion cup or a ciborium symbolize the covenant God makes between humans and Himself.
Presider’s Chair
The chair represents the role of the priest as the leader of worship of the community, and his pastoral care and responsibility for the people. The bishop has a special chair in his main church and this chair is called a Cathedra. This chair symbolizes the leadership that the Bishop has over the whole area and his authority. The church where the bishop has his chair is called a “Cathedral” (which literally means ‘the place of the chair’). So a cathedral is not defined by its size but actually by the fact that it is the church where the ‘seat of authority’ of the Bishop is located.
Crucifix
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The Crucifix is an integral symbol of almost every Catholic Church. The Crucifix is often positioned in a very central position somewhere over or near the Altar. When the crucifix is brought in as part of the procession it leads the procession. The Crucifix is a central symbol of a church because it is a visual reminder that God loved us so much that he sent his only son to die for us, so that we might have life through him. The suffering and death on the cross is a profound mystery of God’s love, justice and forgiveness.
Holy Water
At the entrances of a Catholic Church there is often little decorative bowls of water attached to the side of the wall, for people to dip their finger in and use to make the sign of the cross. People do this symbolic action to remind themselves that they have been reborn and washed clean of sin by Baptism, and called to live in the new life of discipleship of Christ. Holy water is a reminder and symbol of eternal life and of God’s protection and care for us.
Holy Water
At the entrances of a Catholic Church there is often little decorative bowls of water attached to the side of the wall, for people to dip their finger in and use to make the sign of the cross. People do this symbolic action to remind themselves that they have been reborn and washed clean of sin by Baptism, and called to live in the new life of discipleship of Christ. Holy water is a reminder and symbol of eternal life and of God’s protection and care for us.
Tabernacle
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This word comes from the Latin meaning “tent” or “little booth.” In Roman Catholic churches, the ‘tabernacle’ is a beautiful, ornate box or container. This container is where the remains of any blessed and consecrated hosts are stored. Since it remains the body and blood of Christ after being blessed, any unconsumed hosts and precious blood must either be consumed after mass or the hosts can be stored in the tabernacle. The tabernacle used to be positioned on the high altar at the very centre of the sanctuary. Other places have a special side altar, or sacrament chapel specially designed for private prayer and reflection and people can sit or kneel in front of the tabernacle and pray.
Advent Wreath
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The Advent wreath, which has German origins, is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. The evergreens of which the wreath is made up of signify continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and everlasting life which is found in our saviour, Christ. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ. The four candles that the wreath holds signify the four weeks of Advent. It is believed that each week represents one thousand years which in total, equals the four thousand years from Adam and Eve until the Birth of the Saviour. The three purple candles signify the prayer, penance, and sacrifices or good works that take place at this time. The rose colour candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday) which is the Sunday of rejoicing because the midpoint of Advent has been reached and the preparation is half over which means that Christmas is almost near. The continuous lighting of the candles symbolizes the hope of our Lord’s first coming and the anticipation of his second coming to judge the living and the dead. The light also signifies Christ, who is the light of the world.
Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree dates back to the middle ages and came from Europe. Even some ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their stained glass windows. The "tree" is usually a branch or sapling and is decorated each week with various symbols that remind us of the promises of God from Creation to the Birth of Jesus Christ. Each Jesse Tree ornament usually consists of a symbol or drawing that represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief verse of Scripture from that story.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2).
The Mary Candle
On December 8th, it is the feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, some people place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God which enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.”
Light
Light is the pre-eminent symbol of Christmas. Light symbolizes our Saviour, Jesus Christ who was born into the world to be a beacon light for us to follow. Each Advent candle is lit to portray the light that Jesus bestowed upon us with his first coming.
Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree dates back to the middle ages and came from Europe. Even some ancient cathedrals have Jesse Tree designs in their stained glass windows. The "tree" is usually a branch or sapling and is decorated each week with various symbols that remind us of the promises of God from Creation to the Birth of Jesus Christ. Each Jesse Tree ornament usually consists of a symbol or drawing that represents one of the major stories of the Old Testament along with a brief verse of Scripture from that story.
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2).
The Mary Candle
On December 8th, it is the feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, some people place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose “yes” to God which enabled our Lord’s coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the “Light of the World.”
Light
Light is the pre-eminent symbol of Christmas. Light symbolizes our Saviour, Jesus Christ who was born into the world to be a beacon light for us to follow. Each Advent candle is lit to portray the light that Jesus bestowed upon us with his first coming.
Christmas Tree
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In the Middle Ages, mystery plays were held on Christmas Eve which featured a Paradise Tree -- a tree representing both the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden (because Christmas Eve was an unofficial "feast day" of Adam and Eve). The tree was decorated with colorful apples representing the forbidden fruit, and with candies representing the Tree of Life. This tree is now symbolized as a Christmas tree which every family decorates in their homes. Although the Christmas tree has lost its religious symbolism to the marketed consumer Christmas, it still bears religious significance.
Poinsettia
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Poinsettia plants, sometimes called "Nativity Flower," can be seen on the altars of churches during the Advent season. The shape of the leaves are said to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, and their red color represents the Blood of Christ and the burning love of God.
The Nativity Scene
There are many similarities between the symbol of an empty manger and the Advent wreath. They both serve as an outward expression of preparing the way for Christ. The empty Nativity scene serves as a reminder of the coming of Christ. As Advent passes each year, these symbols remind us of salvation and the promise of things to come.
The Colours of Advent
The purple or dark blue is a symbol of royalty that anticipates the coming birth of Jesus. It also reflects a spirit of penitence and the need to prepare our hearts. Pink is a secondary Advent color that symbolizes the joy of the season. The evergreens in the Advent wreath signify eternal life that comes to us through Jesus.
The Nativity Scene
There are many similarities between the symbol of an empty manger and the Advent wreath. They both serve as an outward expression of preparing the way for Christ. The empty Nativity scene serves as a reminder of the coming of Christ. As Advent passes each year, these symbols remind us of salvation and the promise of things to come.
The Colours of Advent
The purple or dark blue is a symbol of royalty that anticipates the coming birth of Jesus. It also reflects a spirit of penitence and the need to prepare our hearts. Pink is a secondary Advent color that symbolizes the joy of the season. The evergreens in the Advent wreath signify eternal life that comes to us through Jesus.