Christingle

Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year.  The name “Advent” actually comes from the Latin word adventus which means “coming.” It was given to this time of year in December because Christians are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ, who they believe is the Messiah or Son of God. This season is traditionally seen to be a time of waiting expectantly and happily and preparing for the Christmas season at the end of December. It is also a reminder of how the Jewish nation waited for the Messiah and how Christians are now waiting for the return of Christ.  One of Advent’s most prominent symbols is the candles lit at the beginning of each week. There are 3 purple or blue candles and one pink or rose candle – four total with one for each week. A fifth white candle may be added to be lit on Christmas day.  During mass at the beginning of each week, a special ceremony is performed to light that week’s candle. The candles’ fires burn during each mass so that by the end of Advent, all of the candles’ lights shine.  A Christingle is a fancy Advent orange that was designed with children in mind to teach them the symbolism surrounding the season.  The orange represents the world, a candle pushed into the center of the orange, then lit, represents Jesus as the Light of The World, a red ribbon wrapped around the orange represents the blood of Christ, and dried fruits on cocktail sticks pushed into the orange represents the fruits of the earth and the four seasons.