Today is the First Sunday in Advent, and that means that the Christian Church is starting on a new calendar. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas Day, on or after the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, on the 30th of November. A time of preparation for the coming Christ, it's also a time of reflection and repentance as we realize that it was our sinfulness that caused God to send our Savior into the world, to take our sins on Himself, and die on the cross. Advent is an excellent time to start or to enhance family devotions.
Many churches use a four-candled wreath, lighting a new candle each week.
Normally, the candles are three purple and one rose or else four blue. Rose shows the dawn of heaven's light. Blue commemorates God's faithfulness to an unfaithful people. On Christmas Eve, a white Christ Candle is also lit. Using the wreath or colored candles in other arrangements during family devotions is one way of focusing attention on God and His Word, adding the benefit of attracting our children to this special time.