The Advent of Christ | Text: Malachi 3:2 |
Opening Statement:
Advent is a celebration of hope of the arrival of salvation from our sins found in Jesus Christ. As I said, Advent is a celebration of hope concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus, and we are going to begin our celebration of Advent this morning by reviewing some of the prophecies about the Messiah as we relate these prophecies through the symbols of advent – which are the wreath and candles.
The Meaning of Advent
In Malachi chapter 3, verse 2a we read, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears?” Today begins the season of Advent. The word “advent” means, “coming” or “arrival.” It is a countdown of anticipation in which we celebrate Christ’s first coming, in which he was born into this world as our Lord and Savior just over two thousand years ago. Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation, anticipation, and longing.
The Meaning of the Wreath
Advent is celebrated through the use of symbols, and the first symbol of advent is a wreath that cradles the candles. Notice that the circle of the Advent wreath has no beginning and no end.
The wreath is green in color. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, for green symbolizes the newness of spring, and the hope of renewal.
The Meaning of the Candles
Next, we come to the symbolism of the candles. The four outer candles represent Hope, Peace, Joy and love.
The first candle is traditionally the candle of Expectation or Hope, or in some traditions Prophecy, and it draws our attention to the anticipation or the hope of the coming of a Messiah.
The second candle represents Peace, and the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was foretold as the coming Prince of Peace.
The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. It reminds us of the joy that Mary felt when the angel Gabriel told her that a special child would be born to her – a child who would save and deliver His people.
The fourth candle of Advent, the pink candle, is the Candle of Love. The light of this pink candle is meant to remind us of the love that God has for each one of us.
We then come to the fifth candle, or the center candle, which is called the Christ candle. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.
Time of Reflection
What we have just heard are the Scriptures pertaining to the “First Advent of Christ,” but did you know that there is to be a “Second Advent of Christ?” In the First Advent we are told about the coming of a Messiah and Savior who would rescue people from their sins.
The Second Advent of Christ is when the Lord Jesus returns to earth to rapture all of those who believe in him as He takes them to heaven to live with him for all eternity.
In Closing:
I want you to know that God is still offering the greatest Christmas gift anyone can every receive, the salvation of his Son. You can experience Christmas like never before if you will accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation.
