Advent
What do the 4 candles found on the Advent wreath symbolize?
Hope, Love, Joy, Peace.
Fun fact: there is a fifth candle that represents Christ
Jesus spent some of his early childhood years in a foreign country. Which country did He, Mary, and Joseph escape to because of King Herod's persecution?
Egypt
Finish the lyrics:
"Hark! The herald angels sing.
Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth, and mercy mild..."
"God and sinners reconciled!"
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea during the time of whose rulership?
King Herod
Which Old Testament prophet mentions "Emmanuel?"
The Old Testament prophet who mentions Emmanuel is Isaiah. Specifically, the name appears in Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies the birth of a child who will be called Emmanuel, meaning "God with us."
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means...?
"Arrival"
Acceptable alternatives: "coming" or "approach"
What three gifts did the wise men present to Jesus at his birth?
Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
What is the Latin name for the Christmas carol, "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful"
"Adeste Fideles"
What are the names of the three kings, traditionally?
1. Melchior
2. Gaspar (or Casper)
3. Balthazar
Which saint is credited with creating the first live nativity scene in 1223?
St Francis of Assisi
Why is the Advent wreath circular?
The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.
Acceptable alternative: God’s infinite love for us.
Fun fact: Advent wreaths have been made of evergreen leaves, such as pine or fir, which maintain their green color beyond the season in which they are collected, physically embodying the spiritual significance of the wreath.
After Jesus's birth, who did the angel first appear to, announcing the Savior's birth?
The Shepherds
What is the world's most recorded Christmas song, with more than 137,000 known recordings?
"Silent Night" (German: "Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht")
What does the Archangel's name, "Gabriel," mean?
The name Gabriel means "God is my strength" or "Strength of God."
In Hebrew, it is derived from the words "gever," meaning "man" or "strong," and "El," meaning "God." Gabriel is known as an archangel in various religious traditions and is often associated with delivering messages from God, including the announcement of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus in the New Testament.
Which two Gospels reference Jesus' birth and childhood?
Matthew and Luke
Who do we dedicate the second week of advent to?
St John the Baptist
According to the Bible, which animals were present at Jesus's birth?
None, the Bible does not state any specific animal.
List the twelve gifts in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" carol
Which saints have feast days in the season of Advent? Name at least 3.
St. Lucy, St Stephen, St John of the Cross, St Francis Xavier, St Ambrose, St Nicholas, St John the Apostle.
In which country did the modern concept of the Christmas tree originate?
Germany
A pink candle is lit during the third week of Advent, "Gaudete" Sunday, which means "joy," "praise," or to "rejoice." What is the official name of this pink candle?
The “Shepherd’s Candle." This candle takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even before the wise men.
Fun Facts:
Week 1 candle (purple): Prophecy Candle
Week 2 candle (purple): Bethlehem Candle
Week 4 candle (purple): Angel's Candle
What two figures recognized Jesus as the Messiah during his presentation at the Temple, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy?
Simeon and Anna
Which saint is referenced in the Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslas?"
Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr or protomartyr
In what modern-day country was Saint Nicholas born?
Turkey
What is the feast observed on December 28, which commemorates the children killed by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the newborn Christ, and serves as a reminder of the sanctity of life.
The Feast of the Holy Innocents.