Advent is under way and I invite you to observe this season as a way to spiritually get ready for Christmas. One of the focal points of Advent is the lighting of the Advent Candles and it opens all of our worship services in Advent and Christmas. The candles have traditionally stood for hope, peace, love, and joy. This year, we are taking a different approach to these candles, assigning them different meaning and using them to invite us into active participation in Advent by becoming, "Flames of the Faithful."
* Week one - the Prophet Candle. The promise of God to bring light into the darkness of our lives.
* Week two - the Bethlehem Candle. The preparation which is done by all those in Bethlehem to welcome the Christ Child.
* Week three - the Shepherd Candle. The excitement and fear that the shepherds experience when they come to meet Jesus.
* Week four - The Angel Candle. The angels voices of praise and the desire to shine in God's glory can be shared by us.
* Christmas Eve - The Christ Candle, in the middle of everything signals that Christ has come into our world.
You can make an Advent wreath as your own way of participating in this Advent season. Just figure out how to have four candles around a taller or pillar candle. Then beginning today, light the prophet candle each time you are together for a meal or want to invite God to take a more active role in your lives. Then each week, add a candle to your lighting. As the light from your wreath increases, so will the possibility that Christ's light has broken into your life.
May it be so. Advent Blessings, Gayle
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