The seven “O” Antiphons are ancient texts developed for use during the last seven days of Advent (December 17–23). Eventually these antiphons were gathered into the well-known hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Today these ancient prayers can be used in a variety of ways during the season of Advent, as the following examples suggest....

2010 was a year filled with grief and loss, betrayal and rejection in its most intimate form. The well in which I fell was so cavernous I thought I would surely die. Would I be saved? The dust from dirt on the bottom of the well filled my lungs as I breathed in, maybe for the last time. I prepared for impact. Suddenly, a rescue. Friends pulled me up with superhuman strength fighting the forces of gravity and hopelessness....

The Advent wreath, which hangs at the front of the church with its five candles, symbolizes the coming of Christ. In the past few decades, the ancient custom of the Advent wreath has enjoyed an immense recovery throughout the world as a symbol that does for Advent what the manger scene and the Christmas tree do for Christmas....

Advent is a corporate spiritual journey that calls for expectant waiting and readiness for the coming of Christ. When the church travels this journey and treats it as a discipline of life and prayer, the joy of Christmas is immeasurably intensified....

Since the Scripture readings for Advent are filled with vivid images, Advent banners are helpful in portraying these message in a colorful and powerfully symbolic way....