Advent Week 1 - Hope
Christmas will be soon upon us as time marches onward. Time does not apologize for the lost moments of our life’s journey nor relish in the past but presses onward in anticipation of our Lord’s coming. The word advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” meaning “arrival” and the word “parousia” meaning “the time when Jesus Christ will return to judge humanity at the end of the world: His second coming.” What we celebrate and prepare ourselves for is for His coming BUT what is more important and significant is our “Going” before Him for our eternal verdict of salvation or damnation.
Tradition brings to us as a way of preparation of the heart and mind for Christmas and the Parousia, symbols and imagery utilized to identify with and understand. Dating from approx. the Middle Ages, an evergreen wreath (symbol of everlasting life and eternity) was constructed in a circle representing God, without beginning and without end, and with four or five candles. A white large one, representing Jesus Christ as the “Light of the world,” three purple and one rose (pink). Explanations to be understood during this season of Advent.
The first candle to be lit is the Christ candle. Some use it and some don’t. After, we light our first purple candle known as the "Candle of Hope"or the "Prophecy Candle". We have hope that God will fulfill the prophecies declared in the Scriptures concerning His coming and return. Hope doesn’t disappoint (Romans 5:5). Faith is confidence in what we hope for, evidence of what is unseen (Heb. 11:1). Without prophecy people become demoralized (Pro 29:18).
We anticipate our Savior’s arrival. The purple represents repentance and fasting as we anticipate the Lord’s coming. Purple doubles as a color of royalty throughout the Bible, symbolizing God’s kingship and reign. Many expect our Lord’s coming and if He delays His return, our going! Faced with our own mortality, we are to “anticipate” our ultimate destination for eternity! Anticipation allows us to take the initiative by actively evaluating (examination of conscience) and correcting (repentance) through God’s grace with Hope in His promises in Prophecy.