Advent Candles

        During the Advent season, churches have candles sometimes placed in a wreath or in a row and they aren't always purple and pink. In fact, when they are purple and pink, the pink candle is today probably more appropriate for the fourth Sunday than the third. The fourth Sunday is the Sunday devoted to Mayr's anticipation of her Baby. When the Advent hangings and vestments are blue, all four candles may be blue...over the years with growing traditions, each candle has a meaning.

• The first has been called the Prophecy Candle, announcing the period of waiting--"O come, o come Emannuel/"
• The second is the Bethlehem Candle reminding us of the preparation for receiving the Christ did.
• The third has been called the Shepherds' Candle, standing for the sharing of Christ with the world.
• The four is the Angels' Candle, proclaiming Love and the final coming of Christ.

       Sometimes a fifth candle called the "Christ Candle" is placed in the center of the row or the wreath. The Christ Candle may be white or red to set if off from the others, but having one is totally optional as is the color

       No rule exists regarding their color. Once a color is in place for Advent, changing to another color is not appropriate, but next ear another color may be introduced. The color of the candles is not important. Observing Advent is -- quietly anticipating, week after December week, in every possible way, the arrival of the Holy Child of Bethlehem. (From the Epistle, NAGA newsletter.)

Collect for Third Sunday of Advent

       Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Nochebuena

       Meaning "Good Night", the Nochebuena celebration of Christmas Eve is from the Spanish. It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast during Christmas Eve either before or after attending the Midnight Mass.