Wednesday, December 6, 2006
THE ADVENT WREATH
Already before Advent begins the communities where we live begin to get ready for Christmas. We see decorations put up downtown. We hear reminders of how many shopping days are left before Christmas. We hear carols of Christmas played over loud speaker systems at the mall. We see displays of Santa and his reindeer in front yards of homes. Because of this it is easy for us to get ready of Christmas without preparing ourselves for the coming of Jesus. During this pre-Christmas Advent season we want to be sure that we're not just longing for presents piled under the tree but for God's precious gift of a Savior from sin, death, and hell. It is important that we prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of Jesus.
The Advent wreath is one of the best-known customs to help us prepare. Being in the shape of a circle, the wreath stand for eternity. The evergreens symbolize eternal life in Christ. The four candles mark the weeks of the Advent season. At the beginning of the first week one candle is lit. Each time a candle is lit, we think of how dark our lives would be without God and the growing light of salvation through Christ's coming into the world at the first Christmas.
Dear Lord, in high compassion
Bend down with Advent grace.
My heart, I pray, refashion
With mercy from Your face.
Come from the thankless inn
To make my heart Your manger
That I, no more a stranger,
Eternal praise begin.
