dscn5666.jpg Advent Wreaths are a tradition here at St. Andrew. dscn5667.jpg The wreath has four purple candles surrounding a white 'Christ candle" in the middle dscn5668.jpg Every Sunday we light one more purple candle on our wreath as we count down the Sundays until Christmas. dscn5669.jpg Each is so unique, yet honoring the coming of the Christ child dscn5670.jpg On Christmas Eve or Christmas day we light the Christ candle. dscn5671.jpg There are many different traditions about Advent wreaths and the specific meaning placed on each candle dscn5672.jpg dscn5673.jpg At St. Andrew, we call the four purple candles the candles of HOPE dscn5674.jpg The candle of PEACE dscn5675.jpg The candle of LOVE dscn5676.jpg and the candle of JOY dscn5677.jpg The first Sunday of Advent we light the candle of HOPE, as we read Isiaah 40;1-5 dscn5679.jpg Once we finish our Advent Wreaths we have SOUP SUPPER, before we go into the sanctuary for a short service. dscn5680.jpg Everyone brings a can of broth based soup, making up our "Mulligan Stew" dscn5682.jpg Turkey noodle and taco soup are welcome additions ---Yummmm dscn5683.jpg Fellowship dscn5684.jpg I'll try some of the Mulligan Stew dscn5692.jpg We gather in the sanctuary for short service, reading from scripture dscn5685.jpg Now we continue to read scripture and light a candle symbolizing HOPE dscn5686.jpg Scripture continutes along with hymns and the candle of PEACE is lit dscn5687.jpg LOVE is our next candle dscn5688.jpg Followed by the candle of JOY dscn5689.jpg As we finish scripture, we pass the light to one another so each family represented can light their first candle of their wreath dscn5690.jpg In this season of Advent, let us prepare for the way of the LORD dscn5691.jpg May the Peace of Christ be with You.