Thursday: The Advent Wreath and Candles
“I am the light of the world. ”
Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash
Can you imagine Christmas without lights? People who do not even understand "the reason for the season" often cover the inside and outside of their houses with hundreds of electric lights. Most of us enjoy driving through various neighborhoods to see the lighting displays.
Ours is a dark world filled with sin, hate, ignorance, and pride. The Advent Wreath with its candles represents the coming of Christ's light into our darkness. We use this symbol in our homes and our churches.
The wreath's circle is a reminder that God has no beginning or end. The evergreen branches symbolize our growth in faith and hope. The four candles on the outside of the ring represent the growing light of Christ. There is more light each week as we move closer to his coming again. The violet color of the candles represents repentance, the proper attitude for preparation. On Christmas Eve we light the central candle representing Christ.
Our candles and electric bulbs are only symbols. The true light of the world is the eternal presence of Christ, whether we see him or not.
For Reflection: What does Christ's coming mean to me?
A Prayer Seed:
Light of the world, illumine this darkened earth of Thine,
Till everything that's human be filled with what's divine;
Till every tongue and nation, from sin's dominion free,
Rise in the new creation which springs from love and Thee.
John S. B. Monsell, 1863
