LORD
"You know the message he sent, proclaiming the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all." - Acts 10:36
Lord means someone is a leader. In Acts, we are reminded that Jesus is Lord of ALL! He is the leader of all the kings, queens, presidents, moms, dads- ALL of them are under Jesus' authority. Unfortunately, many of the leaders of the world forget that don't make good choices. But God reminds us all once again, that the leader of all, Jesus was sent to earth as a way to make sure all of us can be in a relationship with HIM!
What do you think it means to you that Jesus is lord of all?
Think about how and where Jesus was born. Is this the way you would think a person so important would come to earth?! Why do you think God had it happen this way?
Monday, December 15, 2008
DAY 20: Dec. 19
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." - John 8:12
A lot of times people will talk about bad things being dark and good things being light. If you think of shows where there are bad guys and good guys, a lot of the bad guys will be dressed in black and a lot of the good guys will be dressed in white.
Jesus is once again reminding those he was teaching that He is the good in a world full of bad. That is really comforting to know! If we choose to love God, then we too will be part of the light, the goodness, and not part of the bad.
When is it easy to be good? When is it hard?
As a family, thank God that He has helped us to be part of the light and that He will help us not be part of the darkness.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." - John 8:12
A lot of times people will talk about bad things being dark and good things being light. If you think of shows where there are bad guys and good guys, a lot of the bad guys will be dressed in black and a lot of the good guys will be dressed in white.
Jesus is once again reminding those he was teaching that He is the good in a world full of bad. That is really comforting to know! If we choose to love God, then we too will be part of the light, the goodness, and not part of the bad.
When is it easy to be good? When is it hard?
As a family, thank God that He has helped us to be part of the light and that He will help us not be part of the darkness.
DAY 19: Dec. 18
WAY. TRUTH. LIFE.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except through me".
- John 14:6
The past few days we've talked a lot about how Jesus took our punishment for our sins so we can be friends with God. In this verse, Jesus once again tells the people He was teaching that He is the WAY to be in a relationship with God. He is the TRUTH- meaning that He is the one true way to be in a relationship with God and that He is the LIFE- the way to have life with God.
As a family, try to think of stories from the Bible where Jesus shows the TRUTH and gives LIFE.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except through me".
- John 14:6
The past few days we've talked a lot about how Jesus took our punishment for our sins so we can be friends with God. In this verse, Jesus once again tells the people He was teaching that He is the WAY to be in a relationship with God. He is the TRUTH- meaning that He is the one true way to be in a relationship with God and that He is the LIFE- the way to have life with God.
As a family, try to think of stories from the Bible where Jesus shows the TRUTH and gives LIFE.
DAY 18: Dec 17
PRINCE OF PEACE
"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! He will be called Prince of Peace."
- Isaiah 9:6
If you think about all that happens while Jesus was alive, this name seems sort of funny. Usually, when we think about peace, we think of not having conflicts and there being calm and admiration. This was not usually the case when Jesus was doing his ministry.
Jesus challenged the way people thought about God and how they could worship and love God. Jesus changed the way people treated others- especially those different from those who went to the synagogue. When He did this, it wasn't very peaceful. People were yelling and fighting about whether Jesus' way was right or wrong. Doesn't sound very peaceful does it?
Well, The Prince of Peace has more to do each of us being at Peace with GOD. Yesterday we looked at John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". Having peace with God means that you know Jesus is the Son of God and took the punishment for the bad things that you do from God so that you can be friends with God. Peace is not having to worry about taking the punishment from God because Jesus already did that. That is why HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!
"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! He will be called Prince of Peace."
- Isaiah 9:6
If you think about all that happens while Jesus was alive, this name seems sort of funny. Usually, when we think about peace, we think of not having conflicts and there being calm and admiration. This was not usually the case when Jesus was doing his ministry.
Jesus challenged the way people thought about God and how they could worship and love God. Jesus changed the way people treated others- especially those different from those who went to the synagogue. When He did this, it wasn't very peaceful. People were yelling and fighting about whether Jesus' way was right or wrong. Doesn't sound very peaceful does it?
Well, The Prince of Peace has more to do each of us being at Peace with GOD. Yesterday we looked at John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life". Having peace with God means that you know Jesus is the Son of God and took the punishment for the bad things that you do from God so that you can be friends with God. Peace is not having to worry about taking the punishment from God because Jesus already did that. That is why HE IS THE PRINCE OF PEACE!
DAY 17: Dec. 16
SON OF GOD
"If anyone declares that Jesus is the Son of God, he lives in union with God and God lives in union with him" - I John 4:15
Yesterday we talked about how Jesus came from King David's family. Today, we are going to talk a bit about how Jesus is God's son. There are many places in the Bible where we are told that Jesus is the Son of God (look at John 3:16 if you don't already know it).
The amazing thing about God is that He LOVES US even with all the yucky stuff we do. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins and that He is the Son of God, we can be friends with God without any conflict. That is awesome.
How do you feel when you and a friend or family member fight? It usually feels strange and for most people, the quicker the situation is resolved, the quicker the relationship is better. It's the same way with God. The quicker we resolve our conflicts with His perfection, the quicker we can enjoy being with God.
Spend a few minutes quietly telling God you are sorry for the things that you've done today that you shouldn't have done. Let God forgive you and then tell God HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM!
"If anyone declares that Jesus is the Son of God, he lives in union with God and God lives in union with him" - I John 4:15
Yesterday we talked about how Jesus came from King David's family. Today, we are going to talk a bit about how Jesus is God's son. There are many places in the Bible where we are told that Jesus is the Son of God (look at John 3:16 if you don't already know it).
The amazing thing about God is that He LOVES US even with all the yucky stuff we do. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins and that He is the Son of God, we can be friends with God without any conflict. That is awesome.
How do you feel when you and a friend or family member fight? It usually feels strange and for most people, the quicker the situation is resolved, the quicker the relationship is better. It's the same way with God. The quicker we resolve our conflicts with His perfection, the quicker we can enjoy being with God.
Spend a few minutes quietly telling God you are sorry for the things that you've done today that you shouldn't have done. Let God forgive you and then tell God HOW MUCH YOU LOVE HIM!
DAY 16: Dec 15
SON OF DAVID
Matthew 21:9 "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
Promises are special. They are a way of showing others that you can be trusted to do what you say you are going to do. God promised that Jesus, the Savior, would be a 'son' of David. Now, God didn't mean that David would be his father, but that Jesus would come from David's family. If you open your Bible to Matthew chapter 1, you'll see a LONG list of names of people. There will be some you recognize and some you may not. Look at verse 6 and you'll see the name KING DAVID! God did what he promised and showing the family that Jesus came from is the proof!
During this season of Advent, it is important to remember that God keeps His promises. What promises has God made to you? How has he kept them? Will he keep them?
Matthew 21:9 "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"
Promises are special. They are a way of showing others that you can be trusted to do what you say you are going to do. God promised that Jesus, the Savior, would be a 'son' of David. Now, God didn't mean that David would be his father, but that Jesus would come from David's family. If you open your Bible to Matthew chapter 1, you'll see a LONG list of names of people. There will be some you recognize and some you may not. Look at verse 6 and you'll see the name KING DAVID! God did what he promised and showing the family that Jesus came from is the proof!
During this season of Advent, it is important to remember that God keeps His promises. What promises has God made to you? How has he kept them? Will he keep them?
We're Caught UP!!!
Sorry for the getting so behind but the Kershner household had a nasty virus and it took a better part of a week to get back to health!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
DAY 15: Dec 14
This week as you light the candle reminding us of the Love God has for each of us, pray the following:
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Love you have for us. Forgive us for not loving others the way we should and help us to love others the way you would.”
Put the Lamb of God link on your Advent name chain.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward Him to be baptized, he cried out to the crowd,
“Look, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Do you do wrong things? Of course you do! Everyone does! The Bible tells us that “all have sinned.” Before Jesus came to earth, God instructed His people to sacrifice animals to pay the punishment for their sin. Every time a Hebrew family sacrificed a perfect lamb to God, it was like a lesson. God was teaching His people that forgiveness of sins cannot happen without the shedding of blood. That’s because the Bible says that the punishment for sin is death. Something or someone has to die to pay for sin. Because Jesus was God and could never sin, he didn’t have to be punished. Instead, He could die in our place to pay the punishment for our sins. So, when John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” he is telling everyone that Jesus is going to be the sacrifice for the sins of EVERYONE!!!
Jesus loves God very much and was obedient to what God asked of Him. Jesus loves us very much and was willing to do ANYTHING to make sure we could be part of God’s family. That is pretty cool.
1. How did God show us He loves us?
2. How did Jesus show His love for God?
3. How did Jesus show His love for us?
4. Who can you show love to this week? How can you show it?
This week, as we continue to look at different names of Jesus, think about the ways that He shows His love for you.
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Love you have for us. Forgive us for not loving others the way we should and help us to love others the way you would.”
Put the Lamb of God link on your Advent name chain.
When John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward Him to be baptized, he cried out to the crowd,
“Look, the Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Do you do wrong things? Of course you do! Everyone does! The Bible tells us that “all have sinned.” Before Jesus came to earth, God instructed His people to sacrifice animals to pay the punishment for their sin. Every time a Hebrew family sacrificed a perfect lamb to God, it was like a lesson. God was teaching His people that forgiveness of sins cannot happen without the shedding of blood. That’s because the Bible says that the punishment for sin is death. Something or someone has to die to pay for sin. Because Jesus was God and could never sin, he didn’t have to be punished. Instead, He could die in our place to pay the punishment for our sins. So, when John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God,” he is telling everyone that Jesus is going to be the sacrifice for the sins of EVERYONE!!!
Jesus loves God very much and was obedient to what God asked of Him. Jesus loves us very much and was willing to do ANYTHING to make sure we could be part of God’s family. That is pretty cool.
1. How did God show us He loves us?
2. How did Jesus show His love for God?
3. How did Jesus show His love for us?
4. Who can you show love to this week? How can you show it?
This week, as we continue to look at different names of Jesus, think about the ways that He shows His love for you.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Day 7: Dec 6
Vine
Read John 15:5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me."
Do you have any plants growing in your home?
What do people need to do to help them grow?
What happens if they forget to water them?
What do you think that Jesus means when He says He is the vine and we are the branches?
Jesus is talking with his disciples and is trying to remind them the importance of staying in a relationship with Him. Can flower live very long if it is no longer attached to its stem? Of course not! In the same way, we will not last long in a spiritual sense if we separate ourselves from God.
During this season of Advent, we light the candles and we remind ourselves each day of the importance of being in a relationship with God.
Read John 15:5 "I am the vine, and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me."
Do you have any plants growing in your home?
What do people need to do to help them grow?
What happens if they forget to water them?
What do you think that Jesus means when He says He is the vine and we are the branches?
Jesus is talking with his disciples and is trying to remind them the importance of staying in a relationship with Him. Can flower live very long if it is no longer attached to its stem? Of course not! In the same way, we will not last long in a spiritual sense if we separate ourselves from God.
During this season of Advent, we light the candles and we remind ourselves each day of the importance of being in a relationship with God.
DAY 6: Dec. 5
Bread of Life
Read John 6:35 "I am the bread of life. whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never be thirsty".
There aren't too many things that smell as good as bread baking in the oven! Bread was an essential part of the diet of those living when Jesus was alive. It was made fresh daily and helped to meet the need of people- their hunger.
Why does Jesus call himself the bread of life?
Is he saying that he is a loaf of bread?
Of course not! He is telling those around him that He is the way to meet their need of a relationship with God. He is the way for people to love God. Each of has a desire to know God. We hunger with hope that He loves us. Jesus' coming and His purpose to take the punishment for our sins was the way for us to be able satisfy that hunger. He is our bread- he is like food for our souls.
If Jesus is to meet all our needs, what do we need to do for that to happen?
What do you think Jesus means when he tells the disciples that through him they'll hunger or thirst no more?
How do think the disciples felt when they heard this?
One quick fun point- did you know that Bethlehem, the place where the birth of Jesus, The Bread of Life was born, was also known as "The House of Bread"?
Read John 6:35 "I am the bread of life. whoever comes to me will never be hungry; whoever believes in me will never be thirsty".
There aren't too many things that smell as good as bread baking in the oven! Bread was an essential part of the diet of those living when Jesus was alive. It was made fresh daily and helped to meet the need of people- their hunger.
Why does Jesus call himself the bread of life?
Is he saying that he is a loaf of bread?
Of course not! He is telling those around him that He is the way to meet their need of a relationship with God. He is the way for people to love God. Each of has a desire to know God. We hunger with hope that He loves us. Jesus' coming and His purpose to take the punishment for our sins was the way for us to be able satisfy that hunger. He is our bread- he is like food for our souls.
If Jesus is to meet all our needs, what do we need to do for that to happen?
What do you think Jesus means when he tells the disciples that through him they'll hunger or thirst no more?
How do think the disciples felt when they heard this?
One quick fun point- did you know that Bethlehem, the place where the birth of Jesus, The Bread of Life was born, was also known as "The House of Bread"?
Day 5: Dec. 4
Christ, The Messiah
Read Matthew 16:16 "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
"The Annointed One". That is what Simon Peter says he believes Jesus to be. Jesus has just asked his disciples who people say that he is. While they tell him people think him to be another prophet (one who tells about the coming Messiah), only Peter says that Jesus isn't another one to tell about the Messiah, but instead that he says Jesus IS the Messiah". Again, Jesus' name gives away what is purpose is all about.
It is interesting that we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Notice the beginning of the word has Christ in it. It is a time of celebrating the arrival of the Annointed one.
As a family, what other words can you think of that start with Christ? Now that you know the menaing of the word, how does that help you understand the meaning of the word?
Read Matthew 16:16 "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
"The Annointed One". That is what Simon Peter says he believes Jesus to be. Jesus has just asked his disciples who people say that he is. While they tell him people think him to be another prophet (one who tells about the coming Messiah), only Peter says that Jesus isn't another one to tell about the Messiah, but instead that he says Jesus IS the Messiah". Again, Jesus' name gives away what is purpose is all about.
It is interesting that we are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Notice the beginning of the word has Christ in it. It is a time of celebrating the arrival of the Annointed one.
As a family, what other words can you think of that start with Christ? Now that you know the menaing of the word, how does that help you understand the meaning of the word?
Day 4: Dec. 3
Jesus
Read Matthew 1:21 "You will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins".
The word Jesus comes from a word meaning 'Jehovah is salvation'. Again, Mary and Joseph are given instructions to give their child a name that shows Jesus' purpose. It defines him. It tells others who Jesus is- he is salvation. His purpose is love and give those who love God a way to have a relationship with God. His purpose is to take the punishment for the wrong we each do. Jesus, 'Jehovah is salvation' defines the tiny baby that lay in a stable and changed the course of things forever.
Jesus wants those who have 'lost' their relationship with God because of their sins (the bad things they do)to 'save' their relationship with God. By dying for their sins, he took the punishment that allows for that to happen.
How did it feel to find something that you have lost? How do you think Jesus feels when a person who was 'lost' because of their relationship with God is found and 'saved'?
Read Matthew 1:21 "You will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins".
The word Jesus comes from a word meaning 'Jehovah is salvation'. Again, Mary and Joseph are given instructions to give their child a name that shows Jesus' purpose. It defines him. It tells others who Jesus is- he is salvation. His purpose is love and give those who love God a way to have a relationship with God. His purpose is to take the punishment for the wrong we each do. Jesus, 'Jehovah is salvation' defines the tiny baby that lay in a stable and changed the course of things forever.
Jesus wants those who have 'lost' their relationship with God because of their sins (the bad things they do)to 'save' their relationship with God. By dying for their sins, he took the punishment that allows for that to happen.
How did it feel to find something that you have lost? How do you think Jesus feels when a person who was 'lost' because of their relationship with God is found and 'saved'?
DAY 3: Dec. 2
IMMANUEL
Read Matthew 1:23 "A virgin will conceive and bear a son and he will be called Immanuel (which means, 'God is with us').
The past few days we've talked about the importance of names. In the Bible, we have examples of people naming their children and God changing people's names to reflect more of who they are as a person. In Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that Mary and Joseph were TOLD what to call their son. They were given the name that MOST reflects who Jesus was- He was God with them. Mary and Joseph wouldn't have known to give him this name... they wouldn't have thought to give him a name that so fully defined who this little tiny baby was. Immanuel. God with us.
How does it make you feel to know that God came to live with people?
As advent is a time of us remembering the season of waiting the Jewish people had for their Savior, we should remember that we are also in a season of advent- of waiting for Jesus to be Immanuel- to be God with us once again.
Read Matthew 1:23 "A virgin will conceive and bear a son and he will be called Immanuel (which means, 'God is with us').
The past few days we've talked about the importance of names. In the Bible, we have examples of people naming their children and God changing people's names to reflect more of who they are as a person. In Matthew's account of the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that Mary and Joseph were TOLD what to call their son. They were given the name that MOST reflects who Jesus was- He was God with them. Mary and Joseph wouldn't have known to give him this name... they wouldn't have thought to give him a name that so fully defined who this little tiny baby was. Immanuel. God with us.
How does it make you feel to know that God came to live with people?
As advent is a time of us remembering the season of waiting the Jewish people had for their Savior, we should remember that we are also in a season of advent- of waiting for Jesus to be Immanuel- to be God with us once again.
Monday, December 1, 2008
DAY 2: DEC 1
"ALPHA and OMEGA"
Tonight as you light the candle reminding us of the Hope we have in Christ, you can pray the following:
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Hope so many had that you would help them with all that they needed.
Lord, may we listen, trust and hope in You like the prophets who foretold Jesus’ birth.”
Read Revelation 1:17-18
"Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last. I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever".
Alpha and Omega, like many of the names we will talk about this month, tell us how AMAZING God is. Alpha means the beginning. God is the beginning. What does that mean? Well.... what was the first thing the Bible tells us God does? That's right! He creates! He began this world. He is the very first thing ever!!! There is NOTHING that comes before God. Omega means End. The Bible tells us that all things will end with God. He not only BEGAN it all, but He will END it all and He's bringing us along for the ride!
As we BEGIN our Advent Journey- let's remember what the END brings- not just Jesus' birth, but God's plan to have each and every one of us in a loving relationship with Him.
1. What are some of your favorite things God has begun?
2. Since God begins and ends things- what does this tell us about God's character?
Does He leave things unfinished? How does that make you feel?
Tonight as you light the candle reminding us of the Hope we have in Christ, you can pray the following:
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Hope so many had that you would help them with all that they needed.
Lord, may we listen, trust and hope in You like the prophets who foretold Jesus’ birth.”
Read Revelation 1:17-18
"Don't be afraid! I am the first and the last. I am the living one! I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever".
Alpha and Omega, like many of the names we will talk about this month, tell us how AMAZING God is. Alpha means the beginning. God is the beginning. What does that mean? Well.... what was the first thing the Bible tells us God does? That's right! He creates! He began this world. He is the very first thing ever!!! There is NOTHING that comes before God. Omega means End. The Bible tells us that all things will end with God. He not only BEGAN it all, but He will END it all and He's bringing us along for the ride!
As we BEGIN our Advent Journey- let's remember what the END brings- not just Jesus' birth, but God's plan to have each and every one of us in a loving relationship with Him.
1. What are some of your favorite things God has begun?
2. Since God begins and ends things- what does this tell us about God's character?
Does He leave things unfinished? How does that make you feel?
Day 1: Nov. 30
This week as you light the candle reminding us of the Hope we have in Christ, pray the following:
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Hope so many had that you would help them with all that they needed.
Lord, may we listen, trust and hope in You like the prophets who foretold Jesus’ birth.”
This Advent season as we journey towards celebrating Jesus’ birth, we will learn about the different names we call Jesus. Names are very important. They can tell a lot about who we are.
1. Share how each person in your family was named.
2. Does your name have a special meaning?
3. Were you named after someone?
4. If you have a nickname, how did you get it?
Just like your name tells something about you, each of Jesus’ names tells something about Him. The more names we know, the more we know about Him.
READ PSALM 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
This verse reminds us that God wants us to know Him by name. He will never leave or forget those who know Him and try to be more like Him.
1. How does it feel to know that God will not forget those who know His name?
2. When you seek to know God and His character through His many names, you will __________ in Him. Why do you think that is?
Tomorrow, you will begin to go through many names of Jesus and start the name chain! Today, spend a few minutes as a family writing down as many different names of Jesus that you can think of. What does your list tell you about Him?
“Lord, as we light this candle help us to remember the Hope so many had that you would help them with all that they needed.
Lord, may we listen, trust and hope in You like the prophets who foretold Jesus’ birth.”
This Advent season as we journey towards celebrating Jesus’ birth, we will learn about the different names we call Jesus. Names are very important. They can tell a lot about who we are.
1. Share how each person in your family was named.
2. Does your name have a special meaning?
3. Were you named after someone?
4. If you have a nickname, how did you get it?
Just like your name tells something about you, each of Jesus’ names tells something about Him. The more names we know, the more we know about Him.
READ PSALM 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
This verse reminds us that God wants us to know Him by name. He will never leave or forget those who know Him and try to be more like Him.
1. How does it feel to know that God will not forget those who know His name?
2. When you seek to know God and His character through His many names, you will __________ in Him. Why do you think that is?
Tomorrow, you will begin to go through many names of Jesus and start the name chain! Today, spend a few minutes as a family writing down as many different names of Jesus that you can think of. What does your list tell you about Him?
What's what during Advent...
Here are some tidbits about advent and some of the symbolism...
Light is very symbolic and is seen in a variety of ways…
Jesus called Himself “the light of the World.” On the Advent wreath, “the light of the world” is the Christ Candle in the center.
God’s Word is the light that lights our paths.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105
What is good and right and pure is represented by the light. We know that light will always overcome the darkness.
“The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5
The symbolism of the advent wreath is beautiful.
Evergreens signify continuous life. Even the kind of evergreens has a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith:
The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering;
Pine, holly, and yew signify immortality;
Cedar represents strength and healing.
Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection.
The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ.
All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. They are:
HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE
PROPHETS, BETHLEHEM, SHEPHERDS and WISE MEN
Three candles are purple and one is rose.
The purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifice and good works undertaken at this time.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday to symbolize rejoicing because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas.
The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world
and the anticipation of His second coming to judge
the living and the dead.
Light is very symbolic and is seen in a variety of ways…
Jesus called Himself “the light of the World.” On the Advent wreath, “the light of the world” is the Christ Candle in the center.
God’s Word is the light that lights our paths.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105
What is good and right and pure is represented by the light. We know that light will always overcome the darkness.
“The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5
The symbolism of the advent wreath is beautiful.
Evergreens signify continuous life. Even the kind of evergreens has a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith:
The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering;
Pine, holly, and yew signify immortality;
Cedar represents strength and healing.
Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection.
The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ.
All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. They are:
HOPE, LOVE, JOY and PEACE
PROPHETS, BETHLEHEM, SHEPHERDS and WISE MEN
Three candles are purple and one is rose.
The purple candles symbolize the prayer, penance, and preparatory sacrifice and good works undertaken at this time.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday to symbolize rejoicing because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over and they are close to Christmas.
The progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the expectation and hope surrounding our Lord’s first coming into the world
and the anticipation of His second coming to judge
the living and the dead.
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