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It is waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It is a time when we get our heart ready for the birth of the baby who grew into a man and died for us so that we might live. We use this as a time to be thankful.

Why the Advent Wreath? Traced to Scandinavia and later the Germans made it a Christian symbol of Advent. It then spread throughout Europe and on to the United States and other countries.

Why is it round? Because with Christ there is no beginning and no end, the never-ending circle.

Why do we use greenery? Evergreens symbolize everlasting life in Jesus Christ. If we believe in him we will never die.

Why do we use purple and white candles? Purple signifies royalty and the waiting for Christ. The white candle stands for purity and is referred to as the Christ candle. The purple candles are lit one at a time on the four Sundays before Christmas Eve. The white candle is lit on Christmas Eve to indicate that His presence is among us.

Why do we use herbs in our Advent Wreath? Many years ago people depended on herbs to flavor food and they were used as medicine. Some of the herbs are referred to as manger herbs, and they all have a meaning.

Rosemary: For remembrance. There is a story that when Mary and Joseph were making their trip to Bethlehem they stopped to rest and Joseph put Mary's coat on a Rosemary bush and the flowers were white but when he removed her coat the flowers had turned to blue in Mary's honor.

Sage: Herb of immortality and domestic happiness.

Lavender: Beloved of Mary. Represents purity and virtue.

Thyme: A manger herb. A symbol of bravery associated with the Holy Child who would endure much suffering. It grew abundantly in Palestine on rocky gravely soil and was cut with other grasses for the manger. Its antiseptic fragrance would keep the bugs away and gave the bed a clean sweet smell.

Rue: Herb of grace. Symbol of repentance. Also used: Rosehip, Globe Amaranth, Stance and Yarrow.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.