GROWING UP

in a less formal, Pentecostal worship environment as a young Christian, I don’t recall the Advent season ever being spoken of as such. I didn’t know about lighting Advent candles or the special meaning of the four Sundays before Christmas and the following Sundays. Sadly, it wasn’t part of my young spiritual journey, even as our children were growing up, but I now enjoy the lighting of every Advent candle in my home and at “The Fellowship,” during the Christmas season.

 

So, instead of concern over a slip of the ‘beard’ revealing Santa is really Uncle Alfred, let’s help the children (and in the process, we who are older) discover again faith’s freshness in the meaning of the Advent season and Christmas celebration.

 

If your religious tradition is liturgical, then perhaps you get it already. If not liturgical, you may be saying, “What’s the point?” The point is that celebrating Advent can be fun, and at the same time, a teaching moment in the Christian family experience regarding the true meaning of  Christmas. Words are good, but sometimes symbols help our words become lasting pictures and memories.

 

THE CANDLES

represent the four Sundays of Advent. Purchase a set or order online, make or buy a wreath, and gather the family, or a group of singles or single again friends with children, and talk with one another each week about how these candles respectively symbolize the hope, peace , joy, and love, Christ intends for all. Good moments to share in stressful times.

 

Advent candles, since the middle ages, have reminded Jesus’ followers of prophecy, faith, joy, peace, all of which are ours as we seek a personal relationship with Him.

 

The wreath itself, which is made of evergreens and vines, signifies the continuity  of life. It’s circle, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ.

 

One candle is lit each Advent Sunday, beginning this year on December 3. I know, that was yesterday, but it’s still not too late to start. Three of the candles are purple, a liturgical color signifying prayer, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

The first purple candle symbolizes hope, and is sometimes known as the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It also reminds us that the Messiah who came to us once, has promised to return again (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:2).

The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is  the “Bethlehem Candle,” reminding us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5).

The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is sometimes known as the “Shepard’s Candle.” Pink, or rose, is a liturgical color for joy. What a great time to feel the joy His birth brought ordinary shepherds, and can still bring to ordinary people today (Luke 2:I-20).

On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle, called the “Angel’s Candle.” A good time to sing “Joy to the World,” as we imagine the message of the angels. And we pray for “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men (Luke 2:13-14).

AT THE DOOR

to my apartment, during Advent, neighbors and passers by, see a small wreath and a new candle lit each week (battery powered, of course). Some know what it means. Others ask.

On Christmas Eve, I place a white candle into the center of the wreath. It is my “Christ Candle,” white for purity, because Jesus is a pure and sinless Savior, and available to all who choose to believe.

Celebrating Advent is an excellent way to prepare your mind and heart for Christmas and as a reminder to others of the real reason for the season.

May Jesus keep us close.