Waiting and the working can be seen in the lighting of candles. The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds us that something is happening and more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, we rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.
The four Sundays of Advent are represented by four candles.
The first candle is traditionally the candle of Prophecy, Hope, or Expectation. This draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history. As Gods people were abused by power hungry kings, led astray by self-centered prophets, and lulled into apathy by half-hearted religious leaders, there arose a longing among some for God to raise up a new king who could show them how to be Gods people. They yearned for a return of Gods dynamic presence in their midst.
God revealed to some of the prophets that indeed He would not leave His people without a true Shepherd. While they expected a new earthly king, their expectations fell far short of Gods revelation of Himself in Christ. And yet, the world is not yet fully redeemed. So, we again with expectation, with hope, await Gods new work in history, the second Advent, in which He will again reveal Himself to the world. And we understand in a profound sense that the best, the highest of our expectations will fall far short of what our Lords Second Advent will reveal!
The Prophecy / Hope Candle symbolizes the OT years of waiting and longing. John the Baptist is the last of the OT prophets to proclaim the coming of the Messiah. Read some of the other promises Genesis 3:15; 49:10; Isaiah 9:2-7; 11:1-9; 35: 1-10; 40: 1-5. Then talk with God about the dreams and goals that you are writing for. Ask God for guidance as you wait.
The remaining three candles of Advent may be associated with different aspects of the Advent story in different churches, or even in different years. Usually they are organized around characters or themes as a way to unfold the story and direct attention to the celebrations and worship in the season. So, the sequence for the remaining three Sundays might be Bethlehem, Shepherds, or Angels. Or Peace, Joy, Love. Or John the Baptist, the Magi, Mary. Or the Annunciation, Proclamation, Fulfillment. Whatever sequence is used, all are geared to telling the story of redemption through Gods grace in the Incarnation.
The third candle(in some places the fourth), can be Pink or Rose, and symbolizesJoy at the soon Advent of the Christ. Sometimes the colors of the sanctuary and vestments are also changed to Rose for this Sunday. The pink Advent candle is used to mark the joy at the impending Nativity of Jesus. Whatever sequence is adopted for these Sundays, the theme of Joy can still be the focus for the pink candle.
The Bethlehem / Peace Candle points us to the coming Prince of Peace of the Royal House of David. Read Micah 5:2, then Luke 1:5-79 and join the preparation of Zechariah and Elizabeth and Mary. Then prepare your own home by setting up a nativity scene adding a figure each day until all but Jesus are in place. As you add each figure, read the biblical account of his or her part in the Christmas story.
The Shepherds / Joy Candle reminds us of the joy that the shepherds felt when they heard the news, saw the Child and went to share the Good News. Read about these missionaries in Luke 2:8-18. Then plan ways to share your joy by cards, gifts, caroling, phone calls or visits with family, friends, co-workers, church members.
The Angels / Love Candle symbolizes the union of heaven and earth in the burst of angelic joy at the birth of Jesus who is Gods Love made manifest. Read Luke 1:11-20, 26-38; 2:8-14. Have a Christmas party, ad the figure of Jesus to your nativity scene as you and your guests read aloud the Christmas story in Luke 2. Then join the messengers of heaven by songs and prayers of thanksgiving.
With the Coming of Christ we light the Fifth Candle a Christ Candle which remains alight until the Ascension when Jesus we no longer see Jesus with our physical eyes, but by eyes of faith in his promise to be with us always, to the end of the age. (Matt. 28:20)
Remember in all of this we do not just wait for a child to be born, but for our King to come in Glory and with the messenger of revelations we cry - MARANATHA!I am coming soon Jesus says. And we shout, Come Lord Jesus! (Rev. 22:20).
