Christmas Eve Talk

Have you ever wondered why we light candles for Advent?

Oliver Cromwell preached against “the heathen traditions” of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated “that sacred event.

Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808–1881), a Protestant pastor in Germany and a pioneer in urban mission work among the poor, as the inventor of the modern Advent wreath in the 19th century.[9] During Advent, children at the mission school Rauhes Haus, founded by Wichern in Hamburg, would ask daily if Christmas had arrived. In 1839, he built a large wooden ring (made out of an old cartwheel) with 20 small red and 4 large white candles. A small candle was lit successively every weekday and Saturday during Advent. On Sundays, a large white candle was lit.

Legend has it-

Lights shines brightest in the darkness.

What does it risk if they fail to hear from me?

Jesus entered our world when it was dark, and no one noticed because we were looking for other things. Is it possible he could be working in our dark world again?

Isaiah 8:22–9:7 LEB

22 or look to the earth. But look! Distress and darkness, the gloom of affliction! And it will be thrust into darkness! 1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in distress. In former times he treated the land of Zebulun and Naphtali with contempt, but in the future he will honor the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; light has shined on those who lived in a land of darkness. 3 You have made the nation numerous; you have not made the joy great. They rejoice in your presence as with joy at the harvest, as they rejoice when they divide plunder. 4 For you have shattered the yoke of its burden and the stick of its shoulder, the rod of its oppressor, on the day of Midian. 5 For every boot that marches and shakes the earth and garment rolled in blood will be for burning—fire fuel. 6 For a child has been born for us; a son has been given to us. And the dominion will be on his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His dominion will grow continually, and to peace there will be no end on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and sustain it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of Yahweh of hosts will do this.