Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year, spanning the four Sundays before Christmas.
It is a season of anticipation, preparation, and reflection, preceding the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Advent wreath is a central symbol of this season, made from evergreen leaves that represent eternal life and God’s everlasting love. Its circular shape, resembling a crown of thorns, further signifies eternity, with no beginning or end.
The wreath holds four candles, symbolising the four weeks of Advent. Traditionally, three are purple, and one is pink, corresponding to the liturgical colours of the season. Each week, an additional candle is lit, moving from darkness into the light of Christ.
The first candle, often called the “Prophecy Candle,” symbolises hope, recalling the prophets like Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Messiah. The second represents love, reminding us of God’s gift to the world. On the third Sunday, known as Gaudete Sunday (from the Latin “rejoice”), a pink candle is lit to signify joy, with the day’s antiphon declaring, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4-5). The fourth candle stands for peace, reflecting the angels’ proclamation of peace to the shepherds at Christ’s birth.
In some traditions, a fifth candle, often white, is placed at the centre of the wreath and is lit on Christmas Eve to celebrate the coming of Christ, the Light of the World.
Advent is a time not just for lighting candles but also for reflection, prayer, and hymns, as we prepare our hearts to receive the joy and hope of Christmas. The gradual lighting of the candles each week is a reminder that the light of Christ grows brighter as His coming draws nearer, transforming the world from darkness to light.
Advent Week 1: Lighting a Candle of Hope
Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
He is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples.
He is the wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Saviour of every nation. Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ’s promise
to bring us salvation.
May he come quickly and not delay.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Please Support Our Winter Fundraising Appeal
Today, we are launching our Winter 2024/25 Fundraising Appeal to raise £50,000 by April 2025 to improve our services and facilities. With £10,000 already raised, we are on our way, but we need your help to reach our target.
How Your Support Will Make a Difference:
£20,000 for Technology Upgrades
Essential for maintaining our patient records, communications, and security systems. Your donations will allow us to update ageing equipment, digitise older records, and upgrade our HR systems.
£15,000 for Chaplaincy and Key Staff Costs
Our chaplaincy team provides vital emotional and spiritual care. We’ve secured £10,000 from a charitable trust but need your help to raise the remaining £15,000 to cover salaries and sustain these crucial services.
£10,000 for Hospital Equipment and Facilities
From clinical tools to therapy equipment and upgraded patient room furnishings, this funding will help us replace worn-out essentials to maintain the highest standards of care.
£5,000 for Social Care
Help us provide personal care items, replacement clothing, and support for patients who arrive with nothing. This funding will reduce distress, aid rehabilitation, and support patients’ long-term independence.
Every donation, large or small, helps us provide the best care possible for those we serve. Your support ensures we continue to offer life-changing services for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Running a modern hospital is expensive - at least £12,000 per day! Around 90% of our funding comes from NHS contracts, but the remaining costs of maintaining our staff, services, and facilities depend entirely on charitable contributions. 100% of your donations are used to benefit the people we care for.
Together, we can make a difference. Visit our Winter Fundraising Appeal Page to track our progress and learn how you can help us reach our £50,000 target.
Thank you for your continued support, and for standing with Mildmay in our mission to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.
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