The History of Advent

Four Sundays of Advent

First Sunday

• The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the "Prophet’s Candle." The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival.

• The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting. 

• Kid's Connection video 

Second Sunday

• The second candle represents peace and is called "Bethlehem’s Candle." Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David.

• The second candle is also purple to symbolize preparation for the coming king.

• Kid's Connection video

Third Sunday

• The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the "Shepherd’s Candle." To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too.

• This candle is colored pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.

• Kid's Connection video

Fourth Sunday

• The fourth candle represents love and is called the "Angel’s Candle." The angels announced that Jesus came to bring people close to God and to each other again.

• This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.

• Kid's Connection video

Christmas Day

• The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called "Christ’s candle." It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.

• This candle is white to represent pure light and victory.

Our Favourite Advent Music

Ideas for Advent

Adults

• Advent Devotionals (The Advent Conspiracy)

• Advent Devotionals (Cru)

• Good News of Great Joy (John Piper)

• Resources on Advent (The Gospel Coalition)

• The Songs Tell the Story (Denison Forum)

• The Story of God's Love for You (text-only version of the Jesus Storybook Bible)

Families

• The Jesse Tree (Faithward)

• The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Guide (Sally Lloyd-Jones)

• Risen Motherhood

What Kids Think about Christmas

• Ephrata Community Church

• Southland Christian Church

Our Favourite Christmas Music

Favourite Albums

• Kid's Connection video