By Rev. J. Loren Russell
“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” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)
I published a variation of this article last year around this time. Its relevence is particular to the season.
This is the time of year that Christians worldwide celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, the singular event that changed the course of history forever. This season is called Advent and is made up of the four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. The word Advent is Latin and means “coming”- – the real meaning of Christmas.
There are several traditions that are practiced throughout Christendom. For example, the five candles of Advent which are used symbolically to count down to the arrival of Christ. You will see them in use more frequently in liturgical churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian) but occasionally you’ll find them in traditional evangelical (Baptist, Pentecostal) churches as well.
There are four candles that are lit on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve. Each candle is lit according to a particular order and has a specific meaning;
Purple: The Candle of Hope. This candle reminds us that God keeps His promises. He promised a Savior, and He sent one.
Purple: The Candle of Preparation – This candle reminds us to be prepared to receive the Lord.
Pink: The Candle of Joy. This candle remembers the multitudes of angels that joyfully announced the birth of Christ.
Purple: The Candle of Love. This candle represents the love of God. It was out of His incredible love that God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus.
There is a fifth candle, a white candle. It is the Christ Candle. When this candle is lit, typically on Christmas Day or the fourth Sunday before Christmas, it symbolizes that the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, was born.
No one can deny that His first arrival changed the course of history.Whether or not you believe the prophecy of His coming, His message of grace and mercy, His professed purpose to reconcile a sinful world to a benevolent God, or His eventual return to judge the world, no one can deny that there is no other event in history that has had a greater impact. Time itself is measured based on this one event; BC is used to define time “Before Christ,” and AD (Latin for Annō Dominī) is “in the year of the Lord“ and defines time after His birth.
Many have experienced or can experience His second arrival on a personal level when they receive Him into their hearts as their Savior. Then there will be His third and final arrival when He will come as King and judge.
The five candles are symbolically used to anticipate His birth. I can’t help but wonder will you be ready when He comes again?
Be Blessed +++
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial &. Strategic Consulting, and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Soul 1 Radio, Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen by phone” at 626-226-1448. Be sure to Friend “Matters of Faith” on Facebook and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The Book at Book Blues.
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