It's beginning to look a lot like Advent, with the hanging of greens taking place in many churches this weekend as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Traditional Advent wreaths have four candles in an outer ring, and one in the center.
The candle ring is a circle representing that God is eternal, and the candles represent that Jesus is the Light of the world.
The candles' names generally vary year to year, according to different church traditions. Usually, there are three purple candles, one pink, and a large white candle in the center of the wreath.
Advent has four Sundays. The first Sunday, a purple candle, Hope or Prophecy, is lit; the second Sunday, a purple candle, Preparation or Bethlehem, is lit; the third Sunday, a pink candle, Joy or Shepherds, is lit; the fourth Sunday, a purple candle, Love or Angels, is lit; and the white candle in the center is the Christ candle, which is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Here's what's happening next month:
•Advent Service: 7 p.m. Dec. 3, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 171 W. North Ave., Crestview.
•Crestview Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, 7 a.m. Dec. 4, Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Blvd., Crestview. Cost: $3.
•Crestview Christmas Parade: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Main Street. Theme: "Christmas Around the World."
You know, while we think of Advent and Christmas gifts, I have found that sometimes the greatest gift is time: taking someone to lunch or grocery shopping.
I know my life is so hectic, that it is nice to just sit down, have a cup of coffee or tea and visit. For some of our elderly relatives and friends, this is the gift they have been waiting for all year.
As we reflect upon this season of Christmas, what gifts do you plan on giving to your family, church and friends?
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her brother, Robb; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
The former music teacher enjoys scrapbooking, sewing, playing the piano and studying the Bible.
Email listings of upcoming events and activities of public interest to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HAPPENINGS: What gifts do you plan to give?