Each week of Advent has a number of symbolisms, and the following table will be filled as the weeks progress.
| Week | Scene | Attitude | People | Action |
| 1st | Journey on a Donkey | Hope | Isaiah/OT Prophets | Expectation/Prophecy |
| 2nd | Bethlehem | Peace | John the Baptist | Annunciation |
| 3rd | Shepherds | Joy | Magi | Proclamation |
| 4th | | | | |
In the first week, we looked at suffering/penitence and its relationship to expectation and hope. The second week looked at how the solid promises of God through Christ gave peace even in the midst of trials and suffering. Historically, for reasons given below, the third week of Advent turned a corner into increasing joy and eager anticipation as the Day of Christ drew nearer. For some reason, the third week has an association with the Magi that visited gifts upon the Christ child, likely several weeks or more after Christmas, traditionally on January 6, Epiphany. Thus, today, I want to talk of gifts.
