As we enter the season of Advent, we embark on a journey of anticipation and preparation. Advent, derived from the Latin word 'adventus,' meaning 'coming,' is a time of expectant waiting and reflection on the arrival of the Savior. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Advent invites us to slow down, to pause, and to focus our hearts on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. Advent begins this Sunday, December 3rd and goes through Sunday, December 24th.
The first week, we light the Candle of Hope.
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Isaiah 9:2
The prophet Isaiah, centuries before the birth of Christ, spoke of a great light piercing through the darkness. This light, we believe, is the fulfillment of God's promise—the coming of Jesus Christ, our hope. As we light the candle, let it be a reminder that in Christ, we find hope that transcends any darkness we may face.
In the second week, we light the Candle of Peace.
In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Luke 1:26–38
The angel's reassurance to Mary echoes through the ages, bringing a message of peace. Mary's 'yes' to God's plan ushered in a peace that surpasses understanding. As we light this candle, may we reflect on the peace that comes from surrendering to God's will, trusting in His promises, and anticipating the Prince of Peace.
In the third week, we light the Candle of Joy.
Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Matthew 1:18–25
In this third week, joy emanates from the candle we light. The news of Jesus' impending birth brought joy to a world in need of salvation. Joseph's obedience and Mary's faithfulness reveal a profound joy rooted in the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Let the flame of this candle remind us of the abiding joy found in the anticipation of the birth of our Savior.
Finally, in the fourth week, we light the Candle of Love.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:1–20
In this fourth and final week, the candle of love radiates its warmth. The culmination of the Advent journey is marked by the birth of Jesus—the embodiment of God's love for humanity. God's love manifested in the manger, inviting us to embrace and share that love with others. As we light this candle, may the love of God, revealed in Christ, inspire us to love one another deeply.
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a sacred journey of the heart—a pilgrimage toward the manger. As we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, may our hearts be illuminated with the light of Christ. Let us enter this season with gratitude, anticipation, and a renewed commitment to share the message of salvation, for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And yes, He is the ONE! Amen.
-Pastor Jerry