This
Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. Many churches observe Advent on the four
Sundays before Christmas. This is a time of waiting and preparation for the
birth of Jesus. Advent means “coming.” The Latin word “adventus” is a
translation of the Greek word in Scripture “parousia.” Both mean “coming.” Advent
celebrates the coming of Christ as a babe in Bethlehem
The Advent wreath is a circular evergreen wreath with five candles, four around the
wreath and one in the center. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His
eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The evergreen wreath speaks
of the hope that we have in God, the hope of eternal life. The candles symbolize the light
of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer
candles mark the four Sundays
of Advent. They also symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the
prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.
The 1st
candle is traditionally the Candle of Hope or the Candle of the Prophets. This candle anticipates the coming of an Anointed One, a
Messiah who weaves his way through Old Testament prophesies. For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government
will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
The 2nd candle
is called the Candle of Love or the Bethlehem Candle. “God loved the world so much
that he gave his one and only son so that whoever believes in him may not be
lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NCV
The 3rd
candle, is traditionally Pink or Rose, and is called the Candle of Joy or the Shepherds Candle. “An angel of
the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you
good news of great joy that will be
for all the people. Today in the town of David
The 4th
candle is the Candle of Peace or
the Angels Candle. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14
The 5th candle is white and is called
the Christ Candle. It is
traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve after the other four candles are lit. It
symbolizes the Holiness of Christ. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts; the
whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
Our
first experience of the Advent wreath with marvelous Christmas hymns and music
by the choir touched us. For four weeks prior to Christmas the choir processed
into the sanctuary, led by child acolytes who lit the altar candles. Each week
a family lit another of the candles in the Advent wreath. At the Christmas Eve
service all five candles were lit including the center Christ candle.
In
our present church we’ve been similarly touched by the Advent Wreath candle
lighting with Scripture readings noting the holy reason for the Season. Come,
one and all, to church during this beautiful and holy season. Jesus is the
Reason for the Season!
Dear
Father,
Thank
you for this beautiful time of year – Your Advent to earth (Christmas) is often
celebrated without recognizing you. It is a time when your light shines in the
dark of winter. We wear bright colors and buy gifts for one another. We go to
musical performances, we sing carols, we send cards to relatives and friends, and
we are more generous. Open the eyes of our hearts – all across this nation and
all around the world – so we will know You, honor You, worship You. Open the
eyes of those who don’t believe in You. Comfort those in pain or distress. Help
us all see the eternal purposes that conquered death and give us everlasting
life. We celebrate your coming to earth as a baby – to become our Lord and
Savior. What a surprise gift! We look forward to your second coming! We thank
you and praise you.
In Jesus
Holy name,
Amen
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