December 26th Celebrates St StephenSt Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church, was also the first Christian martyr. Chosen to serve the poor, he preached boldly and was stoned to death for his faith. His prayer for his killers echoed Jesusโ forgiveness on the cross. Celebrated the day after Christmas, his feast reminds Christians that following Christ involves courage, love, and forgivenessโeven in suffering.
๐๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ ๐Christmas celebrates the incarnationโGod becoming human in Jesus Christ. Itโs the joyful announcement that light has entered the world. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem reveals Godโs humility and love for all creation. Christians rejoice in Emmanuel, โGod with us,โ who brings salvation and peace. Itโs a time of worship, celebration, and generosity.
๐ฐ๐๐ต ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐The fourth Sunday of Advent in the Church of England remembers Mary, the mother of Jesus, who bore Jesus the saviour of the world. Other denominations remember this theme as one of LOVE. This week honors the love of God shown in the gift of Christ and the message of the angels. The candle is often purple, blue or red.The fifth candle that is lit on Christmas day is the central candle that represents Jesus, who was the light of the world.www.eternalpublishing.com#Eternal_Publishing
๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐The third Sunday of Advent in the Church of England remembers John the Bapist, who proclaimed the coming of Jesus. Other denominations remember this week as celebrating the joy of the shepherds and the nearness of Christโs coming. This Sunday is called Gaudete (Rejoice) and the candle is often pink.www.eternalpublishing.com#Eternal_Publishing
๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ฑ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐Last week I introduced the first Advent wreath candle. This week I'll tell you about the second. Remember that the Church of England tends to follow this slightly differently to other Christian denominations.In the Church of England, the second Sunday of Advent remembers the Prophets. They foretold of the coming of the Messiah. In other denominations they remember they remember the second candle as PEACE. This candle reflects the peace Christ brings and recalls the journey to Bethlehem. The second Candle is normally blue, purple, or red.