OCR Text |
Show Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Tine eiry ojf Adw By Barbara Pyles Wake up! Stay alert! Dont get caught in a whirlpool of activities! Watch for His coming! Since before Halloween, weve been dazzled with Christmas two the second week, three the third week and four during the last week. The light of the candles is a reminder that Jesus is the light of the world and that we are about to celebrate the day of His birth. A large white candle is placed in the center of the wreath to be lit on Christmas Day. It is thought that this beloved holiday tradition originated with decorations, lights and other holiday images. Many of us get caught up in this Christmas We spend a lot of money and energy trying to do Christmas right. Our schedule is filled with shopping, parties, sending the mandatory Christmas cards, decking the halls, and much rushing around. People try to outdo each other stringing lights and setting up spectacular outmerry-go-roun- d. simple feast of gingerbread. Another popular tradition that originated in Germany is the Advent calendar. Elaborate or handmade Advent calendars, with pop-owindow's, are used to count down the days until Christmas. A family member, usually a child, opens a new window of their Advent Calendar each day until Christmas. They may recite a prayer for the day. the German Lutherans. By the Joy! Joy! Joy! Its time to cel16th century Catholics and Protebrate the birth of the Christ estants throughout Germany Child. Families attend church. used the Advent wreath in Later there is ripping and tearhomes and churches as a symbol ing as presents are opened. to celebrate their hope in Christ. Mothers serve a great feast. The This tradition spread from Ger- waiting is over. door displays. How often havent many to other parts of the ChrisThe bottom line is that Adwe heard, Lord, help me make tian world. In churches, this vent, for some, is a very sacred wreath of waiting is placed on a season. For others, it sometimes it through the holiday season. acDont get me wrong, there is table or a stand near the pulpit. gets lost in In many homes, families tivities. Many have other benothing wrong with trying to make the holidays a little ex- gather weekly to light the Ad- liefs. For .hose who observe this tra special for those you love.' vent candle. They may sing tra- wonderful season, we hope that However, take a deep breath, ditional Christmas hymns, or your Advent Season will be slow down and keep your fo- have a moment of quiet to reflect blessed as you prepare for the cus on the miraculous birth of on Gods presence. birthday of Jesus of Nazareth, of Jesus Christ. this time prepara- the Savior of the World. EmDuring About 300 years after Christ tion and anticipation, many brace the season with joy. Dont was bom, the Church in Rome families observe a variety of cher- let frantic preparations cause declared December 25 as His ished tradition. Some families you to miss Christmas alto- birthday. These first Christmases were serious and very Wake up! Stay alert! Dont get caught in a holy. The prior to Christmas were introduced by whirlpool of activities! Watch for His com church leaders as a time of ing!1 prayer and preparation. It was hoped that the pagan customs would be forgotten and that have the tradition ofbuying food, gether. Wake up! Stay alert! Dont Christs birthday would be cel- clothing and gifts for the needy. reliebrated instead. Others pass out cookies in get caught in a whirlpool of acThis brings me to the subject gious shapes to their neighbors. tivities! Watch for His coming! of the wonderful season of Ad- - They want to give gifts to others Preparing our hearts and lives vent. What is Advent? Advent because God gave the world the for Christ. That is what Advent comes from the Latin word gift of his son. Many families is all about. adventus, which means Com- bake gingerbread. As the May the God of hope fill you fills with all joy and peace in believfour aroma call Christians the the kitchen, ing. Sundays before Christmas the they gather to light the Advent ing, so that you may abound in Advent season, not the Christ- candles. They may say a prayer Jiope by the power of the Holy mas season. It is a time of pre- or meditate briefly, then enjoy a Spirit (Romans 15:13). paring for the adventus of the cookie-bakin- '' ! ' :sf ) ? U'j 1 : k 4 V' g, pre-Christm- four-wee- 0 ut 1 This Emily Soderquist enjoying a feast from as ks n Savior on December 25. However, Christians are not saying that Christ is not yet bom. In- stead, they are on a journey to the manger to celebrate the birthday of Jesus, the Christ Child. During that journey, they focus on the events leading up to Jesus birth and prepare their hearts for the celebration of his birth, and for His second coming. For he is coming again, regardless if we are ready or not. This year Advent starts on De- J Come and see Sandy for beautiful plants and j flower arrangements for the holidays featuring the Christmas Tradition Bouquet Kanab Floral 644-29- 91 226 S 100 E Kanab www.ftd.comkanabfloral - We Deliver Quality - cember 3. The Advent Wreath is an important symbol of Christmas. The traditional Advent Wreath consists of a circle of evergreen branches that are laid flat to nag symbolize the ture of God's love for his people. never-endin- Traditionally, three of the candles are purple and the fourth candle is rose. One candle is lit during the first week of Advent, Symphony of the Canyons & Kanab High S PTSA .celebrate Holiday Family Portrait Special! at Son Photography Studio Caine-Alderm- an & Serving the Kanab area for over 22 years. 1-8- Total Package x10 2-5- x7 $49.25 4-3- x5 Circle your calendar Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9 8 Wallets Call for appointment 435-644-59- 81 19 W. Center St., Kanab, Utah Next door to the movie theatre. n Porcelain Doll with any purchase over $30 j Kanab Floral with this coupon. Doll can be purchased J for only $8 on wireout orders. While supply lasts! I j -- ul her highchair. Photo by Myma Cox. We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Day! . wron-derf- sure is good Friday , Dec. 1st 7 p.m. Prime Rib Dinner Entertainment Tickets available at Zions Pharmacy FoodTown video Saturday, Dec . 2nd 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craft Boutique , Activities Food & Baked Goods Festival of Carols |