Daily Devotion
The Joy Of Celebrating Advent
Created: Monday, 10 December 2018 14:17
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As a pastor, for many years I always looked forward to the month of December because in Church I set up the ADVENT WREATH AND CANDLES. Each Sunday during the month I would ask a child to light the Advent candle for that day. Then, we would sing a Christmas carol.
The wreath, typically a circular garland of evergreen branches, is a symbol of eternity and unending love. Five candles are arranged on the wreath, and one is lit each Sunday as part of the Advent service.
The four candles remind us that in the four weeks of Advent we are preparing for the coming of the Christ Child, who is the light of the world. The colors of the advent candles also vary. The oldest tradition had three purple candles, the color of royalty, repentance and hope. How else would God's people prepare for the coming of the King of kings? On the third Sunday in Advent, the rose or pink candle was lit. This is the candle that emphasizes the joy of the shepherds as they heard the news. The fifth candle (white) represents the birth of Jesus. The flames remind us that He is the light of the world, and if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness, but we have the true light of life.
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Life Application: Today we can declare to the world that the Good Shepherd cares for all people and wants to give them peace. Jesus came on that first Christmas for one purpose-to die on the cross for our sins.
Praise/Prayer: Dear Father, You know what we need, and Jesus was the only answer to what mankind needed. He came as that baby, so no one would really know besides Mary why He came. Man needed a savior. Jesus was the only one who could become our savior. Thank You for sending Him to be our Savior. Amen!
