“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Isaiah 60:1-3
Every December growing up, my church set up an Advent wreath with three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle. Then each Sunday before Christmas the candles were lit—starting with one, building to two, then three, four, and five.
Along with the lighting of candles, a portion of the Christmas story was read aloud, adding to the previous week and culminating on Christmas Eve with the birth of Jesus.
Advent serves as a call to remember the reason Christians celebrate this season. For me, my excitement for Christmas to arrive grows palpably as candles are lit, and more of the familiar story revealed.
Despite several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath, and alternate names and colours for the candles, the focus of the tradition remains the same. It is a time of expectation and waiting for the Messiah.
It’s during Advent we think of the duality of waiting—remembering the Hebrews, who waited eagerly for the birth of their Messiah, but also the waiting Christians today endure for the second coming of Christ.
Even the word “Advent,” is multi-faceted. The English word originates from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming,” and adventus is translated from the Greek word parousia, which is commonly used in reference to Christ’s return.
While many people no longer make room for ritual, habits, or tradition, the Advent wreath can act as an aid to help you focus on what Christmas is really about.
This month, LifeTrac writers take a few moments out of their busy lives to reflect on what the Advent themes—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—mean to them.
“For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10
By Robyn Roste
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