The Advent season is a time of profound reflection and preparation for Christians, as it draws us closer to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. It originates in the weeks following Thanksgiving and unfolds into the joyous holiday of Christmas. Renowned pastor Max Lucado illustrated this sacred connection by likening Advent to Lent — both periods designed to spiritually ready us for a significant holy day. Christmas is intricately tied to Easter, both of which celebrate pivotal moments of Christianity, with Christmas marking the birth of Jesus and Easter commemorating His purpose on Earth.
However, in contemporary society, the true essence of Christmas often becomes overshadowed by commercialism, characterized by shopping frenzies, festive parties, and figures like Santa Claus. The genuine meaning of the season, once centered on the miraculous birth of the Savior, is frequently eclipsed by a more general sense of joy and comfort. Theologians assert that while the festivities associated with this season are enjoyable, it is crucial to remember that they all stem from the one event of Jesus’s birth.
While celebrating Advent, we light candles that symbolize four foundational concepts integral to the Christmas narrative: hope, peace, joy, and love. Each candle corresponds to a vital theme, beginning with hope, which emerges from the prophecies rooted in the Old Testament. The first candle ignites the universal hope within humanity for divine love and connection. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies about the anticipated Messiah, including those articulated by iconic prophets like Isaiah, predicting His humble birth in Bethlehem to a virgin.
This profound lineage is traced from figures such as Abraham and King David, validating Jesus’s position as the awaited Savior. According to Hank Hanegraaff, a prominent Christian theologian, the detailed genealogical records confirm Jesus as the prophesied figure, with so many prophecies surrounding His birth — potentially numbering anywhere from 100 to 400. Among those, the words of Anne Graham Lotz highlight that Isaiah’s predictions famously describe the Messiah as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Another vital segment in connecting the Old and New Testaments is the Exodus narrative, which recounts the Israelites marking their doorposts with the blood of a lamb to evade death. This sacrificial act would later resonate in Christ being recognized as the ultimate Passover Lamb. Historical accounts assert that shepherds, who were entrusted with perfect lambs for sacrifice, were the first to receive the angelic announcement of Jesus’s birth—a momentous occasion that highlights the significance of the proclaimed Messiah.
The second candle of Advent emphasizes the importance of peace derived from the Incarnation—the act of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us. John’s Gospel intricately connects this idea with the creative force of the universe, capturing the profound truth that God chose to live among His creation. This unprecedented act distinguishes Christianity from all other religions, with its core claim that “the Word became flesh.” The embodiment of God on Earth offers believers deep-seated peace, reflecting that Jesus is truly God in human form.
Joy is expressed during Advent as the third candle is lit, a theme vividly alive during the holiday season, particularly in celebratory places like New York City. Here, traditions like the “Messiah” sing-alongs unite diverse individuals through the profound theological richness of Handel’s composition. Carols echo the narratives and sentiments that herald the arrival of the Christ child, embodying joy and communal celebration. Lucado points out that amidst the commercialization, the Christmas carols continue to transmit the Gospel message, serving as a reminder of hope and joy during this season.
Finally, the fourth candle represents love—the ultimate message of Christmas. As we approach Christmas Eve, it is paramount to remember that Jesus’s humble entry into the world was driven by divine love. Lucado emphasizes that the significance of His birth in a lowly setting, rather than a palace, illustrates the profound depths of God’s love for humanity. The Christmas story proclaims that God chose to become like us, fundamentally bridging gaps of poverty, loneliness, and suffering.
In summary, Advent is a season steeped in true meaning, where hope, peace, joy, and love converge. It invites individuals to reflect on their faith and prepares the heart and soul for the celebration of Jesus’s birth. As Max Lucado aptly encapsulates, the essence of this season is rooted in the limitless love that Christ exhibits for humanity. The message of Christmas, encapsulated in the powerful phrase “For God so loved the world,” draws believers ever closer to the heart of the divine amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.