have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this
Isaiah 9:2-7
During this holiday season, we become accustomed to the arrival of Amazon packages, the increase in traffic, the long lines in stores, the overflowing parking lots, and the air that the season brings through the personality of people. This is the time of year that we are preparing and building up to before you the final day of Christmas.
Four weeks before this day many churches will light candles for the season of Advent. This is the time that people recognize the human form of Jesus as a baby on this earth. It is also a time when we celebrate His second coming. But how often do we sit in church and watch different families light a candle the four Sundays before Christmas. It becomes a tradition, but do we know the meaning behind each candle?
The first candle is called the “Candle of Hope” [aka: The Prophecy Candle] signifying the faithfulness of God. Romans 15:13 states, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”God to keep his covenant promises to us. This candle is purple.
The second purple candle is called the “Candle of Preparation” [aka The Bethlehem Candle] which is symbolic of Jesus’ birth and the light that he gives. Luke 3:4 states, “As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”
Candle three is pink or rose, and it is called the “Candle of Joy” [The Shepherd’s Candle] because it represents the announcement of joy brought by the angels to the shepherds and Joseph. ” An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:9-10.
The fourth candle which is the color purple is called the “Candle of Love.” [The Angel’s Candle] This candle represents God’s great love for us by sending His only Son to earth for our salvation. The verse that most of us are familiar with comes from John 3:16-17. “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
The center candle is white, and it is called “Christ Candle,” The purpose of this candle is present the meaning and the heart of this season: God’s provision of light into a dark world. The position of this candle is significant in the center position because it represents the light of Christ, the fact that He is the immaculate Lamb of God, and the washing away of our sins. John 1:30-32: “But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
As we sit with family and friends, let us not forget that the purpose of this season extends beyond preparation for Christmas Day and the exchange of presents. This season embodies the importance of Christ’s birth and his purpose for our salvation.
May this Christmas Day find you blessed and well. May your highs be greater than your lows. May your soul be at peace and your day be filled with joy! Appreciate seeing another Christmas, and rejoicing in the Lord your God!
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