The Season of Advent
This was my first article written about Advent, penned 15 years ago this week.
Despite growing up in a Christian home with the Christmas spirit surrounding our family, I was never really exposed to the Season of Advent. Advent means “coming” or “arrival” as in the arrival or birth of Christ.
For many western churches, Advent marks the beginning of the church year. It begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas which is usually the Sunday around November 30th. Advent ends on Christmas Eve.
Many churches use the Advent Wreath to mark the passing of each of the four Sundays of Advent. The wreath is a circle of evergreens with five candles. The circle represents God Himself and his infinite mercy and grace. It has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks to hope we have through God, the renewal of eternal life.
Four of the candles sit in the outer circle of the wreath. They represent the four Sundays of Advent and the period of waiting for Christ’s birth. Usually there are three purple and one rose candle in the outer circle.
The candle that is lit on the first Sunday of Advent is the Candle of Hope. This draws attention to the anticipation of the Messiah, a chosen One. The second Sunday, another purple candle is lit, the candle of Peace.
On the third Sunday, the rose candle is lit. It is the candle of Joy. Finally, on the fourth Sunday, the last purple candle is lit signifying Love. Is there any more powerful combination of emotions that humans could gather in preparation for Christ’s coming than Hope, Peace, Joy and Love?
Finally on Christmas Eve, the long anticipation ends as the White Candle in the center is lit, often in services held at night. It is the Christ Candle and for participating Christians it signifies the arrival of He that is the Light of the World.
Notwithstanding the beauty of the symbolism of the Advent Wreath and its use in our worship service, what does the Advent Season really mean to us in this modern world? How does its biblical context extend into the lives that we live, whether Christian or not?
Hope is such a powerful emotion. There have been times in my life, though not many, when I felt little hope for the future. Then with no warning a spark of hope was put back into my life. It made all the difference in the world. It made me want to live and move forward with my life. God can provide that hope to those who need it most. Sometimes you and I are the tools He might use to provide hope to others.
Peace. In these times of war and economic turmoil we all seek some peace in our lives. On Christmas Eve we will hear the angels say to the shepherds, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” People all over the world are eager to hear this great news.
This is also the time of year when you and I can act as peacemakers. We can help calm those in distress amongst our friends, family, church and co-workers. Peace making really begins with us. As the song made famous by Bill and Gloria Gaither says, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”.
Joy. After preparing ourselves for the long awaited arrival of Christ, what joy we can feel in knowing that the reign of God is close at hand. Our lives are so hectic and full of demands it is hard to just slow down and feel the joy of our lives around us. Grandchildren bring me that joy. We can help bring joy at this time of the year to others around us.
Love. As much as we profess to love Christmas, it is one of the loneliest times of the year for many. People feel the financial strain of buying gifts. There are the tensions of family gatherings and old wounds not yet healed. We miss those who are no longer with us.
Remember how Jesus came to us. He came in poverty, in the midst of conflict and scandal. He was rejected before he was born and then was born in an animal’s feeding trough. He was hunted down after growing up in obscurity.
Jesus embraced the world and its poverty and conflict. He wants to embrace us right now when we feel most distant. This isn’t about religion. It is about His love for us. By extension, we can show that same love to others around us. You don’t have to look far to see those who need your love and support.
The Christ Candle is lit in my favorite service of the year, Christmas Eve Communion. It is white, signifying the purity of Christ. It is in the center of the Advent Wreath as indeed Christ is in the center of the lives of Christians.
It is at that moment when I most feel the promises that allow me to experience Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. It is at that moment that I feel safe and secure about the future. The promises of God for the people of God manifest themselves in ways we can’t even begin to believe or understand.
“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14). This is the Season of Advent. Let us prepare ourselves during this time and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Like faith, Christmas can be a mystery; a human story that speaks to us of Divine Love.
o0o
Dan Ponder can be reached at [email protected]