Happy Holidays!!
It’s a busy time of year preparing for gatherings with family and friends, shopping, baking and cleaning…just to name a few. There will always be things to do, but I am encouraging us, together, to slow down and find ways this Advent season to enjoy a profound sense of serenity and peace. There is so much symbolism in this season to help us appreciate all we can experience as we wait in anticipation for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
The symbolism of blue in Christianity is deeply rooted in its association with themes of hope, divinity, the divine presence, and the transcendence and eternal nature of God. We decorate our worship space in blue to remind us of qualities like trust, loyalty, and wisdom, all which align with the core tenets of our faith.
The Advent wreath presents more symbolism in its circular shape, evergreen branches, and candles representing eternal life, hope and the light of Christ entering the world. We remember in this season the virtues that we are called to embody, fostering a sense of spiritual introspection and renewal.
The Christmas tree carries religious symbolism connected to Christ’s birth and salvation. The evergreen nature of the tree signifies eternal life and hope. The lights on the tree symbolize Jesus as the light of the world. And the Chrismon ornaments each represent a significant aspect of our Christian faith.
I wonder sometimes how we can celebrate the liturgical seasons year after year and still gain new insight into the story and into our own spiritual journey. Join with me in this journey as we walk through the story again. Read Matthew 1:18 – 2:13. As you read, name the character in the story that you most relate to. Enter into it and become a character in the story back then. After you have spent some time in meditation in this story, join together in our journey through Advent with one another to serve others.
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Blessings in this journey,
Pastor Patti