For some readers it will come as no surprise that this coming Sunday’s service will include the lighting of the fourth candle of Advent — Love. For some readers this is perplexing. What is meant by lighting the candles of the Advent Wreath?
Those who participate in this tradition of candle lighting are aware that the season of Advent (the four Sundays before Christmas) is a visual reminder of the real meaning of Christmas and an intense opportunity for us to prepare for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Advent serves as a reminder of the unconditional love of God that is available to all of His children. It is a time for making an examination of our spiritual life and repentance of resident sins in our lives. God wants a relationship with us and we humans are negligent of our responsibility to keep that relationship blossoming in the fulfillment of Christ-like attributes. By thought, word, and deed we all too often forget who is in control of our lives and live as if it is ourselves.
The commercialization of Christmas has had a profound negative impact on the condition of our souls and with that in mind Advent also serves as the reminder that Christ will come again as King and Judge of the world, not as a baby. To hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” Advent serves us well to get down to the task of repentance and restoration of our souls.
The first candle of the Advent Wreath is a reminder of Hope. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” reminds us that “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” With Christians around the world, we use this light to help us prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we receive God’s light as we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.”—Isaiah 9:2
The second candle is the candle of Peace. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From the prophet Isaiah:
“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6-7
From the Gospel of John:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”— John 14:27
The third Sunday we lit the candle of Joy. As the coming of Jesus, our Savior, draws nearer, our joy builds with our anticipation of his birth. From the Book of Isaiah we read the words of our Lord:
“But be glad and rejoice forever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.”— Isaiah 65:18
From the New Testament, the words of Paul to the people of the church at Galatia:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.”— Galatians 5:22-25
Some of you may have noticed that the beginning of the carol “Joy to the World” begins with the words “Joy to the world! The Lord IS come.” Not will or has but IS. God is here with us each and every moment of our lives and that is the Joy that delights our souls.
That brings us to this coming Sunday when the candle of Love will be lit. Jesus demonstrated self-giving love in his ministry as the Good Shepherd. Advent is a time for kindness, thinking of others, and sharing with others. It is a time to love as God loved us by giving us his most precious gift. As God is love, let us be love also. In the Book of Deuteronomy we find these words:
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” — Deuteronomy 10:17-19a
From the Gospel of John we hear:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:34-35
Father God, teach us to take within our hearts the hope, peace, joy, and love of you, our Heavenly Father, Help us to always remember to keep our hearts cleared of sinful desires as we journey in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Grant us the courage, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to be witnesses of God’s mercy and grace as we demonstrate the unconditional love of you, our Almighty God, to others. As we prepare for our celebration of Jesus’ birth we pray that all may know and accept the hope, peace, joy, and love given to us so freely and the most precious gift of the one whom you have sent, your son, our Savior. Amen.
