The Advent wreath is used to symbolically commemorate newness, eternal life, and the death and resurrection of the promised Messiah.

Traditionally, the Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches. It is often decorated with berries and pinecones. Both the evergreen branches and the circular shape symbolize the passing of time and eternal life. The shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, reflects the complete and endless love that Jesus has for us. During the Advent season, we eagerly anticipate his coming and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him

As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles. The candles represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness. A white candle is lit on Christmas Day to symbolize that Jesus is with us. This can be referred to as the "Christ candle."

Each Sunday in Advent, we light a candle on our Advent Wreath. The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.

· First candle: HOPE

· Second candle: PEACE

· Third candle: JOY

· Fourth candle: LOVE

This year our Advent Devotional, 'Near and Hastening Fast', is led by our

newly appointed Bishop’s Chaplain, Revd. Dr Andy Meeson.

In the 26 days leading up to and celebrating Christmas, we will be exploring the writings of the 12 Minor Prophets. Andy writes in his preface:

“The Twelve anticipates the great day(s) when the LORD will intervene and act… This Advent, as we prepare for the big day of Christ’s return in judgement and salvation by examining ourselves and returning to him, let’s attend to the message of the Twelve.”

Pick up your free Advent Devotions booklet on Sunday – a reading and reflection for each day in Advent.

‘Let us step off the world and have some quiet time with God’