By Lexi Cole
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
It’s there every year. Four candles, lit once a week in the weeks of December leading up to Christmas. As a child, I learned the significance of each candle: the first represented hope, then peace, then joy, then love. Different dominations put different emphasis on the candles, but the lighting of the candles has remained a constant during the month of December. Author Mike Yankosk writes in the World Vision’s Advent Bible Study that the word is Latin for “arrival” or “coming,” and the tradition originated in the sixth century. (1) As we wait with anticipation for the day, as we celebrate the arrival of our King, as we light each candle, this traditional prayer for each candle may be of value to you. Its simplicity moved me. This is what we put our hope in…this is the peace we long for…this is where we find our joy…this is love we have.
As I have meditated on the meaning of each candle, I have realized how significant each one is. We have hope through the promise of Jesus’ arrival on Earth and promise of returning. We have peace because of Christ’s coming to restore the path of relationship with God. We have joy, not based on individual circumstance, but through God’s gift. We have love and, though we were completely unworthy, the God of the Universe came to save us. Oh, what an amazing God we serve!
Traditionally, these are four separate prayers, one for each week, but they’re short enough to work as one. This is the longing of our heart this season; this is why we celebrate; this is reason we bow before Him and worship.
“Hope:
God…grant us the courage to hope.
Hope for Your presence,
Hope for Your peace,
Hope for Your promise.
Peace:
God…grant us to courage to make peace.
Peace in our hearts,
Peace in our homes,
Peace in our communities.
Joy:
God…grant us the courage to experience joy.
Joy in the face of apathy,
Joy in the face of sorrow,
Joy in the face of uncertainty.
Love:
God…grant us the courage to share Your love.
Love for the unexpected challenge,
Love for the vulnerable one,
Love for the presence of God. Amen.” (2)
GOING DEEPER:
1. What part of the Advent touches your heart?
2. What part of the Advent can you share with someone else?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 31:24; Psalm 29:11; Psalm 66:1; 1 John 4:19
Lexi is an Elementary Education major at Bethel University, currently studying abroad in Scotland. The last two summers, she’s been the Children’s Ministries intern at Oakwood.
(1) http://www.worldvisionresources.com/educational/advent-adult-study---complete.pdf
(2) Katherine Hawker. Advent Prayers. 2000.
