Preparing For Advent:
The Prophecy Candle/ The Candle of Hope

Week 1- November 27th

As we celebrate the Holy Season of Advent, we are preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of our Lord Jesus. The word, "Advent", literally means "coming". Being children of God, we observe this special time of waiting and expectation before praising the birth of our Lord and Savior at Christmas.

The first candle lighted of the Advent Season is the Prophecy Candle or the Candle of Hope. It reminds us of the ancient words spoken hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus by the prophet, Isaiah. These words sparked hope in the hearts of the faithful for the coming of the promised Messiah…"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

Today, our hearts are sparked with hope, as well. We wait for the Blessed Hope, the Hope of Glory, the Promised Messiah to return again. He is our celebration, Christ in us! We must make room in our hearts for the arrival of Christ the King. May we worship our Lord with grateful hearts and expectant joy as we earnestly seek Him this Advent.

Holy Father,
We long for the simple beauty of Christmas, and for the precious traditions that remind us of Your Son’s miraculous birth. But in that longing, we pray that we would crave Your renewed presence among us, as we celebrate and expect the coming of Christ.

In our hearts and minds, we follow the shepherds and angels to bring you gifts of our love and adoration. We pray that You would extend to us Your grace, so that our hearts may be pure to love you as you so deserve.

We pray that as we begin this journey of hope and expectation, we do it in a manner well pleasing to You. As we light the Advent candles each week, help us remember that You are the Light of the World. Help us, as we see this purple candle, to remember that Jesus came from the royal lineage of King David. We know that Christ will return as the King of Kings and Prince of Peace.

Renew our hearts, Lord. Open our eyes to see You this Christmas season. Remind us who we are, as Sons and Daughters of the King. Show us Your glory...

In the most holy, breath-taking name of Christ Jesus our Lord we pray, Amen!

         Alison