It is that time of the year, which the young and old look forward to with eagerness. It is the Christmas season. We are on the threshold of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the season of preparation to this great event – the Advent – has begun. Along with the crib and the Christmas tree, the advent wreath is an indispensable part of Christmas. The tradition of the advent wreath has its roots in the 16th century, and the tradition spread in across the world in the 19th century. Five candles are placed in the middle of the advent wreath – three purple, one pink and one white. The three purple candles signify hope, faith and peace, while the pink candle symbolises joy. The white candle symbolises the life of Jesus Christ. The wreath is the symbol of divine perfection. As a circle has no end, the circular shape of the wreath signifies eternity.
The faithful of Guardian Angel Church celebrated the beginning of the Advent with lighting the first purple candle with the advent wreath around it. The brief ceremony commenced with a prayer at the beginning of the mass by the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist. This was followed by the lighting of the first purple candle. In the due course of the season of Advent, one candle will be lit every Sunday.
The liturgy of the day was led by the choir, who celebrated the feast of their patroness, St. Cecilia.
