November 27, 2020
17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. – Luke 1:17
No doubt, this odd year has thrown nearly every regular tradition to the wind. Yet, as we wake up on this day after Thanksgiving, we might find that we are still in a way, preparing for something. For many, this extended weekend is a time to being the preparations for Christmas. I know many families who will spend this weekend putting up the Christmas decorations, and adding a little joy to the home’s décor. Our family decided to do this a little early this year. We decided that 2020 needed all the joy we had to give, so our tree is up already, stockings hung, and lights hung outside the house. There, still, may be some other little things we will do to beautify our home for the coming season.
One of the great focal points of this season we call advent, in the church, is the advent wreath. The advent wreath prepares our hearts for the coming light of Christ. The wreath consists of four candles, typically, in a circle around a center fifth candle – the Christ candle. While we use blue, pink, and white candles in the church, any candles can be used in this wreath. The history of this tradition comes from Germany, and many families would make the lighting of this wreath a part of their families own spiritual preparation for the joy of Christmas. The tradition wasn’t introduced in the church until sometime in the 1920’s.
Now, in the year 2020, when so many of us are spending more time at home, this might be a good year to bring this tradition back into our homes. We will continue to make the lighting a part of our worship service both online and in person, but I would invite you to create your own wreath to light at home as well. There are countless ways and ideas of how to make an advent wreath at home, but truthfully, as long as you have five candles (real or battery powered) you can participate in this wonderful tradition, and I want to encourage you to do so.
On Sunday, November 29 we will light our first candle, the candle of hope. Each day that week, our encourager will bring a message of Christmas hope. The weeks that follow will bring themed messages of Peace, Joy, Love, and on Christmas Eve and the days that follow we will focus on the Christ candle. I truly hope you will prepare a place in your home to celebrate the message of advent, the hope, peace, joy and love of the coming Christ with us as we make ready for our Lord.
Grace & Peace,
Sam