Four Sundays before Christmas, the season of Advent begins. We decorate the Advent wreath with fresh evergreen boughs and place four, blue candles around the circle. Each Sunday we light a new candle—beginning with the candle of Hope. Prepare, Rejoice and Behold follow on succeeding Sundays; Christmas Eve we light the white candle in the center to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Advent provides the opportunity for us to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and spend time away from the pressures of the secular holiday. Our candles have names that are verbs—action words—that provide a theme for reflection and prayers. The candles are great inspirations for more than the Christmas season; they are guides for a lifetime of faithful, blessed living.
HOPE for the world is found in the One born in Bethlehem. God sent His Son into the world to save the world. Hope changes the way we live. Romans 12:12 tells us, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” PREPARE for Christ by clearing the way for him. Follow His example and choose a path of forgiveness, mercy and compassion in your dealings with others. REJOICE in being a beloved, forgiven child of God and share that good news with others. BEHOLD the One who loves you and gives His life for you!!! The prince of peace is born among us.
Have a blessed Christmas season.
Pastor Nancy Gradwohl, Island of Faith Lutheran Church
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