When the angels had gone away from them into
heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to
Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made
known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and
Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger.
Luke 2:15-16
There are many special traditions
this time of year, not only in your home, but at church as well. One tradition we have every year is to light
the candles on the Advent wreath leading up to Christmas Eve. Why do we do
this? What is the symbolism behind this
tradition?
The Advent wreath is an
increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many
churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or
artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. The
wreath is symbolic and there are many good ways to tell the Christmas story, and
various ways to understand the symbolism. The exact meaning given to the
various aspects of the wreath is not as important as the story to which it
invites us to listen, and participate.
The circle of the wreath reminds us
of God Himself, symbolizing 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 colors of the candles vary with
different traditions, but there are usually three purple or blue candles,
corresponding to the sanctuary colors of Advent, and one pink or rose candle.
One of the purple candles is lighted the first Sunday of Advent, a Scripture is
read, a short devotional or reading is given, and a prayer offered. On
subsequent Sundays, previous candles are relighted with an additional one
lighted. The pink candle is usually lighted on the third Sunday of Advent.
However, different churches or traditions light the pink candle on different
Sundays depending on the symbolism used.
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. 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 hope and promise of long ago
have been realized.
Scripture to Claim:
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95: 6
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm 95: 6
