Advent

Advent is usually celebrated in the Christian church in the weeks preceding Christmas stressing four topics: hope, peace, joy, and love represented by four candles. Advent is a term from the Latin word adventus, which means coming, the coming of our Savior.  The Advent season started in the 1800s in Germany. Immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. Let’s look at the four topics of Advent.

HOPE. This first candle is known as the prophecy candle. The prophets of the Old Testament promised a Messiah would come. That happened in Bethlehem with the birth of Jesus. Likewise, we must have hope that He will return just as He promised.  Hope is not just wishing for something. It is having full trust and assurance in a loving God incapable of breaking His promises. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5). Hope!

PEACE. The second candle is for Peace and Preparation. We reflect on our lives and focus on becoming better-versions-of-ourselves in preparation for Jesus’ coming. We remember the journey Joseph and Mary took from Nazareth to Bethlehem. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14). Peace.

JOY. The third candle symbolizes rejoicing. During the third week of Advent, we are filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day. We reflect on the joy the shepherd’s felt at the birth of Jesus. And we think about our joy when Jesus comes again. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10). Joy.

LOVE. The fourth candle is for Love. During this final week of Advent we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us. He made this apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God’s love brought to us from the angel Gabriel. “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”, “For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:28,37). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Love.

Hope, Peace, Joy and Love…let’s show it!