First Sunday – The Candle of Promise – Mary & Joseph – December 1, 2019 

The Advent Wreath has been part of the Christmas tradition since the 15th century.  It is circular in shape, reminding us of God’s unending love for us, and represents life found in Jesus Christ.

Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we light the Candle of Promise.  It is a reminder that God promised to send a Messiah to save the world from their sins.  The prophet Isaiah said,

“Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel” which means, God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Second Sunday – The Candle of Hope – The Shepherds – December 8, 2019

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent and we light the Candle of Hope. 

We remember the Shepherds out in the field that wintery night—men of lowly birth, yet God brought to them the Hope of life forever with Him.

In Luke 2:10 “The angel said to the Shepherds, ‘Be not afraid, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

The birth of Christ brings us hope, not just for eternity, but for our lives right here on earth as He lives in our hearts!

Third Sunday – The Candle of Light – The Angels December 15, 2019

Today is the third Sunday of Advent and we are lighting the Candle of Light. We’re also reminded of the angels who came in brilliant light, announcing the birth of our Savior.  Luke 2:9 & 10 says:

“And the angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the

Lord shown around them…and the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy which will come to all people”

Later Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.  Those who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12) 

Fourth Sunday – The Candle of Love – The Wisemen – December 22, 2019 

Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent and we are lighting the Candle of Love.  The circle of light is complete and the day of joy is at hand.   

“During the time of King Herod, magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  After they heard the King, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were full of joy. 

Today, as we light the Candle of Love, we remember the Wise Men who followed the star and brought gifts to the Messiah. 

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Today we remember the great gift of love God has given to us. 

Christmas Eve – The Christ Candle – December 24, 2019

Advent Wreath - Reader: 

“Tonight  we complete the Season of Advent.

First we lit the Candle of Promise, God’s promise to send the Messiah.

Second, the Candle of Hope to remind us that through Jesus we can live in victory today, and in heaven with Him forever.

Third, the Candle of Light - Jesus is the Light of the world.

Fourth, the Candle of Love, a reminder of God’s great love for us.

The last candle is called the Christ Candle.  It is white to remind us that Jesus is pure and holy and without sin.  Christ came as a pure Lamb of God to die for the sins of the world.

Advent is a time for repentance and forgiveness.  Through Christ, let us turn from our sins and live clean and holy lives, set apart for His glory.

First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

That’s why Jesus came...and that’s why we celebrate his birth!