We celebrate Advent in the church to signify the "coming" of the Jesus, our Savior. We celebrate His coming in many ways, but one of my favorite ways is through the Advent wreath. Evergreen boughs are woven into a wreath and laid on a table. Three purple and one pink candles are placed in the evergreen around the perimeter. In the center of the wreath a white candle is placed, usually slightly larger than the other candles.
Each Sunday leading up to Christmas a candle is lit with an explanation of the significance of that candle. The white (last) candle is lit on Christmas Eve during a special ceremony.
- The first Advent candle is purple and is that of Hope. It reminds of the hope we have in Jesus.
- The second Advent candle is the Peace candle which is also purple. Peace on earth is impossible without the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
- The third Advent candle is that of Joy. The joy experienced by those shepherds and much less Mary and Joseph is represented by this pink candle.
- The fourth Advent candle is again purple and represents Love. What else can be said? Scripture says God IS love. And He came as a baby to share His love.
- The last candle is white and represents the purity and wonder of Jesus the Christ child.
There are many ways to remember the real meaning of Christmas. The point is, remember the real reason.
Jesus came to this world as an unassuming baby to the family of the most unlikely types. He came to offer a relationship between you and God. While He was fully God and fully man, He bridges the cavernous gap between us, sinners, and a perfect, Holy God.
As He offers this gift, accept His Christmas gift to you...forgiveness and eternal life.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Merry Christmas!
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