Advent Wreath


A couple of weeks ago I as asked about the “meaning” of the candles on the Advent Wreath.  As with most symbols, the question has several different responses. As a whole, the candles help us mark time by offering us a visual reminder of time passing as the candles burn down.  Also, as each week passes and more candles are lit, the entire wreath offers more light, reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World – a light that burn brighter the more it is shared.

Each week of Advent has a theme that is connected to the readings appointed for that Sunday. The first Sunday is hope, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in the Lord.” Lamentations 3: 21-24 If you are familiar with the Book of Lamentations, it is not known to be very hopeful, so it is an interesting theological juxtaposition.  And yet it is also an important acknowledgement that many people struggle during the holiday season due to loss and grief.  It is powerful to find hope, even a small amount, in the midst of difficulty.  We have seen throughout history that those who have hope are exponentially more likely to survive difficulties, even atrocities, than those who “give up.”

The theme of the second week of Advent is peace, “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’” John 14:27 We have all seen the Christmas cards declaring “Peace on Earth.” Oh, how I wish that were true, and yet we are all too aware of the lack of peace in many places on earth, perhaps even in our own homes.  We also understand that God’s peace is the “peace that passes all understanding,” or a peace we can find in the midst of unrest and dis-ease.  Perhaps it is a moment to breath deeply and feel God’s presence in our lives or even knowing you are not alone on your journey.  Seeking and finding the peace that Jesus gives us is one of the greatest gifts we will ever receive. 

The third Sunday of Advent is about joy, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice.” Philippians 4:4 This Sunday is also known as Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday, and it is when the rose candle is lit.  As I mentioned in my sermon last week, when Advent was understood as a penitential season using purple appointments, the third Sunday, with its theme of joy seemed out of sync, so the powers-that-be decided to make it a bit less penitential (and who knows exactly what that meant!), signifying it with a different, lighter color.  We keep the color tradition going because it helps mark time and rose is a fun color.  Joy can be a tricky emotion because most of us only connect it to very powerful life events. However, I continue to promote the understanding that whenever we connect with the Divine, we experience joy as it is a constant state of reality of God in the world.  We may not always feel joy, and yet joy is present to us through God.  Indeed, worship is intended to help us find those opportunities to experience joy and be closer to God.

The final Sunday is about love, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16 Our Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Michael Curry, invites all Episcopalians, and indeed all people, to walk in the Way of Love.  We understand and proclaim that God is Love and has shown Creation how much we are loved by many redemptive acts, but most especially by giving us Jesus, the Christ, to be our Savior and Redeemer.  We also remember the love of Mary, through her willingness of bearing the Christ-child and loving him throughout his life, even to holding his body at the foot of the Cross.  Such love is more powerful than we can understand, and yet we are blessed to receive it.

May the hope, peace, joy and love of Advent prepare the way for Christ to be born one again into our hearts and minds.

With Advent Blessings,
Rev. Valerie+

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