This year I want to concentrate on celebrating Christmas more intentionally. I do not want the harried pace of Christmas' past, nor to be so wrapped up (no pun intended) in the traditions of decorating, shopping, ribbons and bows that I feel exhausted come Christmas Eve. And so, I invite you along on a Christmas journey with me. Let's light the four advent candles not only on our table centrepiece but in our hearts, and take the time daily, to be present with the Lord.
If you do have an advent wreath then lets light the first candle, "The Prophet's Candle" together. If you don't have a wreath, curl up into a chair and in the Spirit join me.
A beautiful wreath of freshly cut evergreens fill the home with scented pine. Breath in the aroma of Christmas. The wreath made with evergreen, rather than leafless branches represent the eternity of God. The crimson holly recalls the cruelty of the crown of thorns thrust upon Jesus' head, and his blood poured out for our redemption. The circle symbolizes God's unending love for us. Four Candles are placed carefully around the wreath waiting ...
These candles in the next four weeks will not only commemorate the first coming of Jesus Christ in a manger, but also prepare our hearts and remind us to wait in joyful anticipation and expectation for the second coming of Christ.
Candle Number One is the "Prophets Candle," and symbolizes hope. As we light this candle, we reflect upon the brave Old Testament patriarchs who were Christ's ancestors and who heralded His arrival. This candle symbolizes the hope of the Messiah who came as a babe, and the hope of our risen King who will come again riding on a white horse.
Isaiah was one of these prophets who foretold the coming …
This is your Scripture reading for Advent candle number one, the candle of hope.
Is. 9:2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light: Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.
Is. 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgement and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this."
Now click the music link this link for Silent Night by Amy Grant and light Candle Number One.
To enrich your daily Scripture reading for the next four weeks of advent, I have included Scripture from biblestudytools.com in hopes we will all remember the reason for the season.
In the theme of the first Advent Candle—The Prophet's candle of hope, these Scriptures foretell the coming Messiah.
- Day 1 – Is. 40: 9-11 Good tidings!
- Day 2 – Is. 52:7-9 His righteousness will endure forever.
- Day 3 – Gen. 3:8-15 The fall of man. Enmity between your seed and her Seed is the promise of a child/Jesus. Bruise His heel speaks of a serious injury, but it is contrasted with the bruising of the head—the defeat—of the serpent's seed. Jesus will be bruised for our transgressions but will rise again and defeat Satan.
- Day 4 – Is. 40: 1-5 Prepare the way of the Lord—foretells the coming of a great King.
- Day 5 – Gen. 15: 1-6 The word "descendants" translates in Hebrew to the word Seed. Seed is a word used to refer to the coming Messiah.
- Day 6 – Is. 9:6-7 Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—beautiful names of God.
- Day 7 – Ps. 89:1-4 Your Seed I will establish forever.
May the love of Jesus light a Christmas candle in your soul bright and beautiful for all to see.