Advent is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in his first coming and the anticipation of the return of Christ in his second coming. The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” Because we are also looking forward to Christ’s second coming, Advent is much more than just observing an event that happened 2000 years ago. It is celebrating a truth about God; that God is fulfilling a plan to reconcile all creation to Himself through Jesus Christ. Advent is a time to draw personally, as a family and as a body of Christ into the deeper understanding of the incarnation.
Historically, Advent was thought to have started as a time of fasting by the early church. It was a time of penance between St. Martin’s Day (Martinmas) and Christmas day. The practice of fasting and penance isn’t common to our time, especially during the holiday season of overindulgence. Take note of this and let the Spirit convict you, as He will. Perhaps you will feel lead to eliminate things from your over active schedule, take a fast from TV or technology, to take a time of fasting personally from food or to reduce your budget of gifts and give the remainder to those in need.
It wasn’t until the 1600’s that the German Lutherans began a celebrative form of Advent with the addition of their own customs of wreaths and candles. These traditions are still very much alive in liturgical congregations and homes. However, all Christians can appreciate and find purpose in the practice of Advent.
Advent is a 25-day celebration that starts December 1st and leads up to Christmas day. Each night your family will light a candle to remind you that Jesus is light in a sin-darkened world. It also reminds us that we are to reflect this light to others. “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles,” Isaiah 42:6
As for the wreath and candles, three of the candles are blue or purple. They are this color because blue or purple is the color of royalty to welcome the coming of the King. The first candle is called the “candle of hope” or to remember the prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The second candle is the “candle of the way,” as the light of Christ shows us the way out of darkness. The third candle is called the “candle of joy,” it indicates that the only lasting joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last. The fourth candle is the “candle of peace.” It reminds us that Jesus comes to bring peace to both the world and to people's hearts. The center candle lit on Christmas Eve and Day is white and called the “Christ candle.” It is white because Christ is our unblemished and sinless sacrifice. It is placed in the center of the advent wreath as a symbol that Christ is to be dwelling in the center of our hearts and lives.
The twenty-five days of Advent are a time of reflection, meditation, and celebration in the joy of what has been done through the Lord Jesus Christ. Look to Him during this season, seek to know Him more and take deep joy in all He has done for you!
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