ADVENT: A SEASON OF ANTICIPATION

With altar draperies of purple and royal blue, Christians around the world symbolize the anticipation for the coming of their king.

Advent marks a season of celebration and preparation for the Christ's coming, both as a child in the manger and his Second Coming.

The season of Advent, which lasts four weeks, begins Sunday. It is the beginning of the Christian church year.

Much like Lent marks the remembrance of Christ's suffering and passion before his death on the cross, Advent is a season of anticipation for things to come.

"It is a cry of the church for him to come again," said the Rev. Jeffrey Sippy, pastor of Hanover Lutheran Church. "It's the first cry of help from the redeemed people."

Advent is really an invitation for Christ's return, Sippy said.

"We've had the first coming but this is a seasonal cry of the church for him to come again in all his glory as he promised."

Over the years, Advent has changed from a spirit of repentance to a joyous preparation of the holiday season. During the 5th century, the season lasted six weeks, now it is only four.

The most common symbols of Advent are a wreath and candles. Many area churches will mark the period with special services and blessings of the wreaths.

One candle, often purple or blue, is lit each week of Advent until all the candles are lit. One Christmas Day, all the candles are lit, including a center candle that is either white or red and represents Jesus Christ. Often a pink or lighter purple candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, marking the second half of the season.

At First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, Advent candles will be lit as part of six services at the church; sermons will be based on scripture from Isaiah.

Hobbs Chapel, a United Methodist congregation, will have special Advent service Sunday at 9 a.m. Christmas hymns and the hanging of the greens are planned during the service.

At Evangelical United Church of Christ, children in the congregation will light the first Advent candle Sunday. They also will help decorate a tree with Chrismons, a symbolic depiction of Christ.

Advent is full of symbolism within the church. Advent calendars are popular methods for families to use in preparation for the holiday season.

Advent calendars mark the 24 days before Christmas. Each day of the calendar is covered by a flap that can be lifted to unveil a Bible verse or holiday picture. Advent candles have dates that appear on a row down the side. Each evening that date is lit to burn, marking another passing day of Advent.