1. Is a Latin word meaning “the coming.” During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the celebration of the coming of the Lord into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. Reflect on the meaning of this truth in your life and in our world of chaos today.

2.  Traditionally, three of the candles are purple to emphasize our hope in God's promise fulfilled in the Nativity; one is pink to emphasize the joy of the Coming. Advent is a time to celebrate The Divine light, (the Advent wreath ), that is to come into the darkness of this world.  The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself. His eternity and endless mercy; without beginning nor end. The green of the wreath symbolizes the hope that we have in God; the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.

3. The First Candle: A time of expectation and hope. The Second Candle: The peace that is to come. The Third Candle: The joy for the promise is almost fulfilled. The Fourth Candle: The love of God for mankind. The center candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. It is traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve or Day. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the Incarnation is the heart of the season; giving light to the world.

4. Light of the Candles: The Light of God that came into the world through Christ to bring newness, life and hope. Do I experience this Light in my life and family now? Why? Four Candles: The four weeks of Advent, represent the four centuries between the time of the Prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. These four weeks of Advent will bring renewed hope to my life because of the coming of Christ. This is the “real preparation” for Christmas, this must be believed! Lighting the Candles: The progressive departure of darkness from the world as more and more light is shed through the candles. As a Christian,Christ promised to dispel the darkness of pain within me. Doubt no longer.

5. The Spirit of Advent While Lent is characterized by fasting and a spirit of penance, Advent is a time of preparation that is marked by prayer. These are prayers of humble devotion and commitment, prayers of submission, prayers for deliverance, prayers for those walking in darkness who are waiting for The Great Light! The spirit of Advent is expressed well in the parable of the bridesmaids who were anxiously waiting for the coming of the Bridegroom. There is profound joy and, yet a warning of the need for preparation echoes through the parable. How am I preparing myself spiritually to be more open to this truth and hope of Christ at Christmas? What resolutions can I make now?

6. For each week of Advent there will be a set of slides in our website to help you prepare yourself during this great season of the coming of Our Lord at Christmas. Also, visit our Website at http://www.jesuit.org.sg for the Gospel pointers to help you find God in your daily life. Do something for Christ today. Forward this to your friends and tell them about our Prayer ministry.

7. If you are still not on our mailing list, simply email us with your name, gender, country (for our classification) at : seigneur@starhub.net.sg We will then send you a daily Gospel e-message with insights, inspiration and challenges to live a fuller Christian life written by Fr Philip Heng,S.J. Do send in the above details of your friends so that they too can benefit spiritually from our Prayer Ministry.