DAY 8: Light of the World and the Advent Wreath
“I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” – John 12:46 ESV
My Thoughts:
One way that we mark the time of this season is with the Advent Wreath. As this is the second Sunday of Advent, this is the day we light the first and second candles of the wreath. The wreath consists of five candles– four candles around the wreath and one white candle in the center. One candle is lit each Sunday of Advent, with the center, “Christ candle”, lit on Christmas Eve. The lighting of each candle progressively reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World who is the one who comes into the darkness of our world to bring renewal, life, and hope. And the evergreens help to symbolize the new and everlasting life brought through Jesus Christ.
The lighting of the Advent Wreath is a great symbol of the Light that God brings. It is no coincidence that many of the works of art you will see amidst these blog posts this Advent season use light in such a way to express what Jesus said of Himself. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12 ESV). And may that same light be enkindled in our hearts to shine forth in our lives. And let us remember that we await the coming of the Light again that will shine in the darkness.
Activity: Lighting an Advent Wreath
If you would like to be more proactive in your celebration of Advent, consider lighting an Advent Wreath tonight. Place the Wreath on a table and have everyone present gather around it. Lower the lights in the room to create a good atmosphere for the candlelight. Place the four (4) candles that symbolize the 4 weeks of Advent in the wreath and one other colored candle in the center to symbolize Christ. And light two of the outer candles to celebrate the second Sunday of Advent.
Spend some time being aware of the present darkness—longing for the light. But also contemplate the light, as it represents Jesus, the Light of the World. With each Sunday that comes, light another candle—adding to the light. And on Christmas Eve or Day light the center candle. For, we are celebrating Christ as the Light who has come into the world.
Prayer:
Father in heaven,
our hearts desire the warmth of your love,
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
Increase our longing for Christ our Savior
and give us the strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Amen.
