By Ruth Storkel
We have arrived at the final Sunday of Advent! This year, it falls on December 22.
Two candles are typically lit in this final week of Advent: the LOVE candle and the CHRIST candle.
When God sent His Son Jesus, it was an amazing demonstration of love. Jesus, when here on earth, taught the two greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor. (Matt. 22:36-40). Love encompasses Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth, as He gave His life on the cross: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
He demonstrated this love fully, giving His all on the cross at Calvary; it was not just words but actions!
The word for “love” in the original Greek text is “agape”; it is an unconditional, perfect love. In the Bible, we see the word “love” 100-300 times (depending on your translation).
The fourth Advent Candle to be lit is a purple one, representing love. It is also known as the “Angel’s Candle,” remembering the significant part angels played in this special time when Jesus was sent to earth. Â
Some church traditions remove all the other candles (3 purple and one pink) on Christmas day and light the white one in the middle; it stands for Jesus, the Light of the World. He brought light into this sin-darkened world. The color white also reminds us of Jesus’ purity and blamelessness. He was the holy, spotless Lamb of God, perfect in every way.
Jesus is the one who connects all the other Advent candles: hope, peace, joy, and love. We can have all these things through Him. And because He has given us light, we can give His light to others, showing them the true meaning of Christmas.
At this season, we pray that God’s love will reach out and touch every person. “We love because He first loved us.” Let us seek to love others in the same way that Christ has loved us! Not just in December but throughout the entire new year!Â
Carol: “When the Lord of Love Was Born”
With shepherds watching lambs and sheep
We hear the Christmas song,
As thru the night they vigil keep,
When the Lord of Love was born.
To Bethlehem of fair renown,
We follow unafraid,
For there, the peace of God came down
When the Lord of Love was born.
With gold and myrrh and incense sweet,
With wise men from afar,
We come to worship at His feet,
Where the Lord of Love was born.
The stars above are shining bright
For all who seek the King,
And darkness is as morning light
When the Lord of Love is born.
O Gloria in Excelsis sing,
This happy Christmas morn;
And gold and myrrh and incense bring,
For the Lord of Love is born.
O, come, Lord Jesus, come and stay,
Thou holy Child of God,
And may each day be Christmas day,
When the Lord of Love is born.
    (credit – Kerr and Ackley)
