What do the candles in the Advent wreath mean?
Christmas gives us time to think about the birth of Jesus and what it means to us.Many families mark this time with family activities that focus on Jesus.An Advent wreath is one of the activities.
We look forward during the Advent season.We anticipate the return of Jesus after four weeks of meditating on his sacrifice.During the busy Christmas season, celebrating Advent gives us time to focus on Jesus.
Christians use this period of time before Christmas to prepare for the birth of Jesus.It is also a time of repentance and meditation.
During Advent, we focus on the incarnation of God.The perfect example of a sinless man can be found in Jesus.He creates eternal life for those who believe and receive him in faith.
Advent candles are lit to signify that Jesus is the light of the world.The celebration of the first coming of Jesus is a way to build anticipation.On the fourth Sunday before Christmas and each Sunday leading up to Christmas Day, families light a candle and conduct a themed advent reading.
The more candles are lit, the brighter they are.Through the prophecies about Christ, Advent moves us through the hope he provides, the joy he brings, and the love he gives.The wreath glows with significance as we move through the week.The different advent candle colors have beautiful meanings and symbolism.
Our hearts are led to Hope on the first Sunday of Advent.The purple color is associated with royalty, repentance, and fast.During the period between the Old Testament and New, God was silent, so this week is a good time to reflect on what it must have been like.
It is a good time to think about the Messiah.A mindset that creates hope is what we start the season with.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, while those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness do not.
A child is born.The government will be upon his shoulder, and he'll be called the prince of peace.There will be no end to the increase of his government and of peace as long as he is on the throne of David.
On the second Sunday of Advent, we light the Hope candle and the preparation candle.As we realize the prophecies about the Messiah are true, hope will bloom.We are about to receive the Lord Jesus.
Joseph must have rushed to make a stable for Mary and Jesus.As we rush through the season of buying gifts and attending parties, may we pause and reflect on the words of the prophet.
In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord to make his way to the desert.The glory of the Lord will be revealed when the valley is lifted up and the mountain and hill are made low.
The third Sunday of Advent is Joy.There is rejoicing in the color pink.We light the previous candles and then light this one.The joy that our Messiah has come is our response to the Good News.
Our world and our hearts are swept away by the light of the world.We look for him and find him.
The angel told them that there would be great joy for all the people.The city of David is where you will be born this day.
We reach the end of Love on the fourth Sunday of Advent.The Messiah is love and righteousness.The greatest news of love came from the angels.
The shepherds had the most amazing birth announcement.This love is for everyone who receives it.We ponder as we light the candles.
Whoever believes in God should not die but have eternal life.God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it through him.
A fifth candle is an optional addition to the traditional advent celebration.The candle is lit on Christmas Eve.White is purity, light, and victory.
Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are white as snow.He is the light in the dark.We have a life because of him.
The Lord says that your sins will be as white as snow if they are red.
Holy God, we begin this week with hope.We need you to light our way forward.You reveal light.Hope comes in the morning because of you.We are going to turn our hearts toward you.Amen, in Jesus name.
We praise you for the hope you give us.We prepare our hearts to receive you as we move into the second week of Advent.Our lives lead us down rocky paths like Mary and Joseph did.
We remember that you are with us.We confess what we need to confess, and we welcome you.Amen, in Jesus name.
Our world seems sad at times.We can turn our attention to you.We praise you and bow down.You are deserving of praise and honor.The wise men wondered how long this journey would take as they followed the star.
Their joy was great when they found Jesus.As we find you this Christmas season, may our joy be great.You are more than an elf on a shelf, you are with us always.We are happy in you.Amen, in Jesus name.
Your love for us is amazing.Your son was sent to confine himself to the dependent state of a newborn, toddler, and child.It is a mystery that we hold our arms open to receive and which we are so grateful for.
This Advent season, let your love wash over us.As this love washes over us, may we love others by your example.Amen, in Jesus name.
During the Christmas season, we focus on celebrating God and what he does for us.When I think of how generous and kind he is, it fills my heart with awe and makes me smile.He gave us the best Christmas gift of eternal life and a close relationship with him because he is loving and good.
To spend four weeks considering the prophecies about Christ woven throughout the Old Testament, to prepare our hearts to receive him by repentance and forgiveness, and to feel the joy in the anticipation of his coming, is the best way to turn your hearts towards him.We should not lose sight of him in the craziness of December.
Jessica Van Roekel is a worship leader, speaker, and writer who writes at www.welcomegrace.com sharing hope-filled inspiration addressing internal hurts in the light of God's transforming grace.She believes that our personal histories do not have to define our present or future.Jessica lives in rural Iowa with her husband and family.You can communicate with her on social media.