This past month I participated in an online Bible study which focused on the four themes of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. Throughout the month, I made some notes and turned them into a poem to share with you.
Advent is a season to remember the light Jesus brought into our world. During this time, Christians prepare their hearts and minds to celebrate Christmas by reflecting on the birth of Jesus and anticipating his return.
Traditionally, believers reflect on one core theme during each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Often, believers will light candles to symbolize each Advent theme week to week. So, at the start of the fourth week, four candles will be lit. Then, on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, a fifth candle is sometimes lit to worship Christ’s birth. The candles may also be surrounded by a wreath of greenery which represents God’s everlasting love.
Meanings behind the candles
The number and colors of the candles, along with the exact meanings attached to them can differ among denominations and churches. As an example, I explored the meaning of these five candles:
- The first candle is purple and represents hope. Also known as the Prophecy Candle, it is used to remind us of the prophetic scriptures about the birth of the Messiah.
- The second candle is purple and stands for peace. It is also called the Bethlehem Candle to help us reflect on the nativity story and the peace brought to us through Jesus.
- The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. Also referred to as the Shepherd’s Candle, it is linked with the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. Full of excitement, they could not wait to see the much-anticipated Messiah and spread the news.
- The fourth candle is purple and displayed for love. Also called the Angel’s Candle, it calls attention to the message of God’s love proclaimed by the angels the night Jesus was born. Today, like the angels, we are called to be messengers who share the good news about the gift of Jesus.
- The fifth candle is white and a symbol of Jesus’ light and sinless life. Known as the Christ Candle, it helps us remember the night when the light of Christ entered the world. During candlelight worship services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, this candle is often used to start the lighting of congregation candles.
The tradition of lighting Advent candles is a wonderful way to reflect on the meaning of the Christmas season. Learning more about the themes of the candles has helped me appreciate their symbolism and encouraged further exploration of the Bible verses related to each topic. Now, the lighting of the Christ Candle on Christmas feels like a beautiful summation of all the others. Today we celebrate Jesus, the light of the world!
Jesus, Light of the World: an Advent Poem to Pray
We light a candle for hope…
Jesus, light of the world, you are our hope.
From cradle to cross, you modeled patience and trust
showing God works through all things to benefit us.
Help us hold onto hope as we go through our days.
Open our eyes to your goodness which thrives
in both the miraculous and the mundane.
Come, Lord Jesus, your presence sustains.
We light a candle for peace…
Jesus, light of the world, you are our peace.
Without hesitation, you left Heaven’s glory
to pay the price for sin and
restore righteousness to the believer’s story.
We pray to be people recognized by your peace.
Alert our hearts to what needs repenting, and
send blessed assurance to share in troubled settings.
Come, Lord Jesus, find us content.
We light a candle for joy…
Jesus, light of the world, you are our joy!
Upon hearing the news of your birth,
the shepherds were filled with such delight.
They hurried to see the long-awaited Messiah,
the promised Savior for everyone worldwide.
When we think of you, Jesus, may our joy overflow!
Fears, uncertainties, sorrows–at the cross we lay them down.
For our souls seek a lasting celebration of you
as the eternal life and love we have found.
Come, Lord Jesus, our praise abounds!
We light a candle for love…
Jesus, light of the world, you are our love,
a gift of God’s relentless mercy and compassion,
divinity wrapped in flesh,
humbly arriving to serve, comfort, and bless.
Lord, stir up our hearts to love others as you do.
Help us toss aside distractions
to focus on becoming more like you
through kind words, prayers, and actions.
Come, Lord Jesus, we bring our devotion.
We light a candle for Christ…
Jesus, light of the world, come!
Illuminate our lives with hope, peace, joy and love!
So thankful are we for all you have done!
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
~by Jamie Trunnel ©2024, ascripturedlife.com
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
Isaiah 9:2 NLT
Merry Christmas friends! Press on in faith! ~ Jamie
Related Posts
Living in God’s Light
25 Christmas Bible Verses to Usher in Peace and Joy
Gifts for Jesus–a Christmas poem
Jesus, the Haven with Heavenly Names–an Isaiah 9:6 poem
The Gift of Christmas
Turning Christmas Upside Down
Inspiring Resources
What is Advent? –gotquestions.org
Embracing the Four Themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love –todaydevotional.com
What is an Advent Wreath? –todaydevotional.com
Does the Old Testament truly predict a second advent of the Messiah? –gotquestions.org
“Prepare Him Room: 28 Ways to Embrace the Spirit of Christmas: An Advent Devotional” by Darlene Schacht at TimeWarpWife.com