Celebrating Advent this Christmas Season

December, 2003

by: Shelbi Cullen

Few times are more sacred for a Christian family or household than Christmas. Christmas time is rich in traditions which, despite modern commercial exploitation, still stir our hearts. One such tradition that we like to incorporate into our worship at home is Advent because it focuses our hearts and minds each day on Christ. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in His First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in His Second Advent. Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens. Three candles are violet and the fourth is rose. Each day at home, the candles are lighted, perhaps before the evening meal one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25th. The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope. Upon the lighting of the candle, Scripture is read from the Old Testament that prophesied the coming of Messiah. The remaining three candles of Advent are associated with different aspects of the true “Christmas” story. The Scripture readings, prayers, lighting of the candles, all are geared to telling the story of redemption through God's grace in the Incarnation. The third candle for the Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally pink or rose, and symbolizes Joy at the Advent of the Christ. The center candle is white and is called the Christ Candle. It is traditionally lighted on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that Christ is the heart of the season, giving light to the world. Whatever your tradition, I encourage you to choose one that centers on Christ. We don't have to look too far to see that the world has strayed very far from the true meaning behind Christmas, all the more important that we spend focused time teaching our children through the Scripture the “Real Reason For The Season.” Have a wonderful Christmas and remember to bless God during this season, for He has visited us and He has accomplished redemption for His people, and has raised up a Horn of Salvation for us. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity.