December is a month of anticipation. Taking time to light Advent candles brings quiet reflection. The word Advent means arrival. The advent wreath is a circle representing unending love of Christ and eternal life. Each candle gives us a special meaning throughout each week of December.
The First candle is usually purple; represents HOPE or the promise of Christ’s birth and His Second Coming.
The Second candle is also usually purple; represents FAITH or preparation, a time of waiting .
The Third candle is usually pink; represents JOY or peace.
The Fourth candle is usually purple; represents LOVE
The Fifth candle of white represents CHRIST or purity.
I have always enjoyed the lighting of each Advent candle during Christmas. At the church I attend a family comes to the Advent wreath, reads appropriate Bible verses, lights the candle, and says a prayer. This is a time to ponder the wonder of Christ’s birth. On Christmas Eve the fifth candle is lit. The darkness has become full Light. Singing “Silent Night” as each candle is lit throughout the congregation is worshipful. All the light of the world is shining on Christmas Eve. May hope, faith, joy, and love fill your heart this Christmas.
Silent Night
1)Silent night, holy night,
All is calm all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
2)Silent night, holy night,
Darkness flies, all is light;
Shepherds hear the angels sing,
“Alleluia! hail the King!
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.”
3)Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
4)Silent night, holy night,
Wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King;
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
Isaiah 9: (KJV)
For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Submitted By:
Pam Jackson
Knoxville, TN