Advent Readings

Week I: Hope

Romans 13:11–14 NIV

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Reflection: We begin the Advent season by lighting the candle of hope. Hope that, like this candle, brings light and comfort. Hope for the promised one, Jesus Christ, to deliver us today, tomorrow and forever. Amen.

Week II: Peace

Isaiah 40:9–11 NIV

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

Reflection: This candle of peace is lit as we anticipate Christmas day and reflect on Jesus, who we call Immanuel – God with us – His presence in the manger. Let us find peace in this, Jesus’ steadfast presence in moments of joy and sorrow, when we sow and when we harvest, and in times of flourishing and struggle. He is carrying us close to His heart.

Week III: Joy

Isaiah 12:2–6 NIV

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Reflection: This week we light the candle of Joy. We have joy because we have been given the greatest gift of all in Christ Jesus. And, we shall rejoice forever with singing and shouting because the gift of Jesus and the salvation He brings is an everlasting gift.

Week IV: Love

Isaiah 43:1–3 NIV

But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

Reflection: This candle of love reminds us of God’s deep and personal loving affection for each one of us. A love so great that God would send His son Jesus to live, die and rise again to save our souls.

Week V: Christ Candle

John 1:1-5, 14

John 1:1–5 NIV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

John 1:14 NIV

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Reflection: This day we light the Candle of Christ, who is for us perfect hope, peace, love and joy. Praise be to God because Jesus is the hope for salvation for all of mankind. Through Jesus we have peace with God. Because of Jesus we shall share with Him eternal love and joy. Amen