Advent
I talked some last week about Advent and how this is a relatively new celebration for my family. As I started reading some responses, I decided to look up more about Advent. What I found was very interesting. I’ve always really enjoyed knowing the history behind traditions. Did you know that the word Advent is derived from the Latin word Adventus which means “coming.” This in Greek means Parousia which actually refers to the second coming of Christ. In the 5thcentury, Advent was used to prepare for the baptism of new Christians. This was a 40-day process of fasting, praying and preparation for a celebration. It supposedly was not until the middle ages that the connection between Advent and Christmas was made.
In today’s world Advent is celebrated on the four Sunday’s leading up to Christmas and typically starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Depending on your tradition, you may have an Advent wreath that contains 4-5 candles, 3 purple, 1 pink and the center candle is white.
The 1st purple candle is known as the “prophecy candles” and is a symbol of hope. It is a reminder of the prophets that foretold about the coming of Christ.
The 2ndpurple candle represents faith and is also known as the “Bethlehem candle.” This is a reflection on the faith that Mary and Joseph had on their journey to Bethlehem.
The 3rdweek is the pink candle or “Shepherd’s candle” which symbolizes joy. This is a reminder of the joy that came with the birth of Christ.
The 4thand last purple candle represents peace and is known as the “Angel’s candle.” This week is about when the Angels came to the Shepherd’s and gave the news that there would be “peace on Earth and good will toward men.”
Some may have a 5thcandle that is white. This represents Christ and is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. It is a symbol of purity and the sinless nature of our Savior.
There is also a lot to be said about the wreath and how the pine represents strength. It is a continuous circle representing the everlasting life we find when we believe that Christ died to save our sins. Do you believe that?
In the current state our world is in today, I find that we are eagerly searching for “happiness.” We are looking for a quick fix rather than addressing the large wound. Have you asked yourself the hard questions regarding salvation? Friends, I want you to know that there is NOTHING and NO PERSON that can satisfy and bring Joy like Jesus. He accepts you as you are. There is no resume needed, you don’t have to dress up and there is no interview process. Nope, my God loves you as you are and all the time. In fact, God typically chooses the broken to redeem and spread his gospel. You may recall the story of David and Goliath, but do you know the story of David when he impregnated a married woman and tried to cover it up? He hoped that the husband would have relations with her upon returning from battle to cover up David’s infidelity. When his plan didn’t go as expected, he ended up having the man killed in battle so his sin wouldn’t be exposed to others. This man ends up dying and then David marries his wife. Another example is Moses, the man who through God’s power parted the Red Sea and freed the Israelite’s from slavery. Prior to this he killed an Egyptian man and failed to listen to God. The transgressions of both Moses and his people kept them in the desert for 40 years with most never seeing the promised land. Some of God’s best witnesses have stories of intense struggle.
Whether you have several Christmas traditions, starting some new traditions like me, or maybe you don’t even believe in the original reason for Christmas, please know that you are unconditionally Loved by a God. No amount of good deeds will get you into Heaven. Rather the best Christmas present of all, Jesus will. May you hold tight to that truth and make the most of the time you have been given this week.
Dear Lord, this time of year can be so hurtful to so many people. I pray that you place a blanket of comfort over them. Father, help those who don’t know you to feel an undeniable presence this season. May we all strive to be more like you sharing your truth and love to others. I thank you for giving us your son Jesus and freeing us of all condemnation.