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Norcross First Baptist Church
The Celebration of Advent
12.03.07


Adventus is the Latin word for "coming," and is the exact Latin equivalent for the Greek word parousia, commonly used in reference to the Second Coming. For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipation. It serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah, as well as the waiting that Christians endure today as we anticipate the second coming of Jesus.

The Advent wreath is a circular, evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. The circle of the wreath reminds us of God Himself, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that we have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles symbolize the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His Son. The four outer candles (traditionally three purple and one pink) represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent, which themselves symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ.

The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isaiah 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. The lighting of the candles over the four-week period also symbolizes the receding darkness as more and more light is brought into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds us that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lit at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.

The first candle (purple) is traditionally the candle of Hope or expectation. It draws attention to the anticipation of the coming of a Messiah that weaves its way like a golden thread through Old Testament history. There, God revealed to His prophets that indeed He would not leave His people without a true Shepherd. While they expected a new earthly king, their expectations fell far short of God’s revelation of Himself in Christ. But still, the world is not yet fully redeemed. So we, with expectation and hope, await God’s new work in history— the second Advent, in which He will again reveal Himself to the world.

The remaining purple candles symbolize Peace and Love and are lit on the second and fourth Sundays of Advent. The pink candle, which symbolizes Joy at the soon Advent of the Christ, is usually lit on the third Sunday. The center candle, called the Christ Candle is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Day. The central location of the Christ Candle reminds us that the Incarnation is the heart of the season, giving light to the world.