Advent: The Christ Candle

The final theme of Advent is light. The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament for light, 'owr, refers to light as the light of life, the light of instruction, and Jehovah as Israel's light. The Greek word used in the New Testament for light, phos, refers to a heavenly light like those that surrounded the angels, God's light, and truth and knowledge. According to Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, "Light always involves the removal of darkness," which is exactly why God sent His beloved Son to bring hope to all who believe. He let His light shine brightly!



"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.: Matthew 5:14-16

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"John 8:12

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

 "For God, who said, 'let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:6



This final candle of the Advent season is known as the Christ Candle. This candle is lit on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It reflects that Jesus was born to be the light of the world. Over and over again, God watched the Israelites turn from him, get into trouble, be defeated by other armies, and cry out to God to save them. He had tried to rid the world of sin and darkness with the flood. Yet, sin and darkness still thrive in our world today. Jesus was sent to bring light to the darkness, hope to the lost, love to the unlovable. He taught His disciples God's truth so that they could let their lights shine and give hope to others.

When we light the Christ candle, we then take that light and share it with one another as we light our candles by passing the light on from one neighbor to another. The lights low in the sanctuary and all of these candles burning brightly. It is such a beautiful sight seeing the darkness dispelled by the body of believers.

We, as believers, are called to let our lights shine brightly so that others may see Christ shining in us. We are to follow and teach His truths, we are to be His hope and His love in a dark and hurting world. Let's give God a gift by allowing our lights to shine brighter than the colorful lights shining from the most decorated house in our neighborhoods.



Prayer:

Father God, thank you for Your glory that shone so brightly the day a tiny baby was born in humble circumstances. Though Jesus was the King of Kings, Your Son was found among the unlovable, the hurting, the sinners, the outcasts, the lost. Father God, help us to reach out to all of those who cross our paths with Your amazing love. May our lights shine brightly to bring You glory and honor. Amen!