1. In Latin “Advent” means “the coming.” During the Advent season, Christians across the world prepare for the coming of the Lord, the birth of Jesus Christ into our world. Pause for a moment, ask yourself, “Jesus, the Son of God is coming into our world of chaos... How should this change me life?

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? 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! Can you? 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. Will you?

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 commitment, prayers for those walking in darkness and 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 to be vigilant and never take God’s goodness for granted. How am I preparing myself spiritually to be more open to this hope of Christ at Christmas? What resolutions can I make during this Advent season?

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 Daily, we also have 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 daily mailing list, of our Gospel E-Messages (3 lines), visit us at : www.jesuit.org.sg This daily Gospel e-messages have insights, inspiration and challenges to live a fuller Christian life written by Fr Philip Heng,S.J. Do your Christian duty! It’s the Advent Season! Evangelize our Prayer Ministry services! Your family, friends, colleagues etc. too can benefit spiritually from the different services we are offering... No Charge! Only your Evangelizing spirit.