Celebrate Advent
During this season of Advent, we emphasize hope, peace, joy, and love, which God sent with Christ.
We would like to encourage your family to make Advent candles part of your tradition this Christmas season. Here’s how:
Five candles can be set in a wreath or any arrangement of your liking. These are lit one per week, starting on the outside and finally, the center candle is lit on Christmas Eve.
Sunday, December 1 - The first is called the "Candle of Hope." It symbolizes faith in God keeping His promises to humanity. Our journey through Advent begins by watching, waiting and preparing for the Christ Child and the "HOPE" that He brings to our world.
For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. II Corinthians 8:9
Sunday, December 8 - The second is called the "Candle of Preparation or Peace," reminding us to "get ready" to receive God. Our journey continues into week two of Advent. This week we will strive to reach out to others in love extending the PEACE of Christ.
For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14
Sunday, December 15 - The third candle is the "Candle of Joy." It recalls the angels joyfully singing about the birth of Christ. Our Advent journey continues into week three as we celebrate with JOY the love that God has for each of us. We search for ways to express our joy as we move forward with anticipation to the birth of the Christ Child. We journey toward the manger with joyful celebration.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" Luke 2:13-14
Sunday, December 22 - The fourth candle, the "Candle of Love," reminds us that God loved us enough to send His only Son to earth. Our Advent journey continues into the final week and asks us to think of all of the places in our lives, our families, our communities and in our world where we truly need to share the LOVE of God.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Tuesday, December 24 - The "Christ Candle," usually a white candle in the center, stands for Jesus Christ Himself. Our Advent journey ends at the manger of the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6-7