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Deepens Meaning of Christmas. How the Church marks each Sunday during the
Christmas season in preparation for and in celebration of the birth day of Christ.
Many churches and families use an advent wreath to aid in the celebration of
Christmas. An advent wreath includes five candles. There are four candles, one
for each Sunday leading to Christmas and a fifth candle for Christmas day. The
four Sunday candles are usually tapers. There are variations in the coloring of
the candles, often there are three purple and one pink candle. Occasionally, all of
the candles are purple. The central candle is usually a large white pillar candle.
The purple represents repentance. The pink symbolizes joy. The white symbolizes
purity of Jesus Christ. The central candle is called the Christ candle and is not lit
until Christmas day. When you light the candle it is customary to read a few
verses of scripture that relate to meaning of the candle. Often the person who
lights the candle recites a short statement of belief and faith as the candle is lit
and then we unite in prayer; the prayer of Advent is still:
Come, O Come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel!
The circle of candles reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy,
which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that
we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles
symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son.
The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays
of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the
prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.
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 the worshippers that something is
happening, and that 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, and
worshippers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.
The Fifth Candle (The Christ Candle or Christmas Candle) WHITE “JESUS-YAHWEH
OUR LORD & SAVIOR”
The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their
sins. It is a celebration of the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s
birth and hope in the final fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians
join him.
Prophetic Verse: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Thou hast
multiplied the nation, thou hast increased its joy; they rejoice before thee as with
joy at the harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his
burden, and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken
as on the day of Mid'ian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a
child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace." Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be
no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to
uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for
evermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” Isaiah 9:2-7
Fulfillment of Prophecy: “...a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
A Blessing: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of
God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2
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This document was prepared by Alžběta MadraGana
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