"Through him (Jesus) all things were made; without him nothing was made that had been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world." John 1.3-9
Many Christians and churches celebrate by lighting a candle each week on an Advent wreath. The first candle on the Advent wreath is called the Prophecy candle and it opens the period that anticipates Christmas and remembers those who first spoke the promise of the coming Christ child. This reminds me of an old song:
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
I light a candle which reminds me that Christ is 'the light' in the midst of darkness who has come into the world. It also reminds me that because Christ lives in me, I too can be a light in darkness. I too can be the mirror of Christ, reflecting his hope, peace, and love into a hurting world. How will you prepare, reflect, and wait for Christmas day and the celebration of the birth of Christ? Are there promises or hopes in your life which you would like to see flow out into the world this year? How have you experienced being loved by God?
One candle, burning bright,
Chasing away the darkness from light.
One candle, glowing light,
The blessing of God, giving new sight.
God of light, burn brightly in our hearts so that through us all may come to know the peace that Christ brings. Help us to remain awake and ready to battle the darkness in the world. Clothe us with Christ Jesus that we may walk in your light. Amen
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
I light a candle which reminds me that Christ is 'the light' in the midst of darkness who has come into the world. It also reminds me that because Christ lives in me, I too can be a light in darkness. I too can be the mirror of Christ, reflecting his hope, peace, and love into a hurting world. How will you prepare, reflect, and wait for Christmas day and the celebration of the birth of Christ? Are there promises or hopes in your life which you would like to see flow out into the world this year? How have you experienced being loved by God?
One candle, burning bright,
Chasing away the darkness from light.
One candle, glowing light,
The blessing of God, giving new sight.
God of light, burn brightly in our hearts so that through us all may come to know the peace that Christ brings. Help us to remain awake and ready to battle the darkness in the world. Clothe us with Christ Jesus that we may walk in your light. Amen
Peace be yours,
Diane
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