Advent Season is Upon Us

This morning, we embark on my favorite time of the year—Advent leading up to Christmas. One of my favorite parts of Advent is the wonderful, worshipful music we enjoy in our services. I also especially enjoy watching all the families in our church who participate in the lighting of candles and readings of Scripture.

Advent means “arrival,” and each Sunday of this season we anticipate the first coming of our Lord Jesus Christ which culminates in our worship times on Christmas Eve. For centuries, Christians have celebrated each Sunday of Advent with a theme which is symbolized by the lighting of smaller candles encircling a large center candle—the Christ Candle.

On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the HOPE candle. Jesus was and is the only hope for the brokenness in our world.

On the second Sunday of Advent, we light the LOVE candle. God loved the world so much that He came to rescue us Himself. Jesus is our “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”

On the third Sunday of Advent, we light the JOY candle. There is no greater joy than knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the PEACE candle. There is no greater joy than knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When it seems like the whole world might just tear itself apart, we are reminded that God brings everlasting peace.

And finally, on Christmas Eve, we light the CHRIST candle. The word “Christ” means “God’s Anointed One.” Jesus is the Good News for all people!

As the angel said to the shepherds on the night of Christ’s birth: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

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