As we near Christmas we occupy now a season of prayer and repentance in hopeful anticipation of the return of Jesus. Just as the Old Testament saints waited in darkness for the coming of the Messiah and God's promised redemption (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16), we now await His second coming, His glorious entry into the world again, His adventus or advent. Thus, in this season while we remember the first coming of Jesus, we celebrate and look forward to His second coming.
During the first two weeks of Advent we light the first two violet candles, violet being a liturgical color to signify prayer, repentance, and sacrifice. The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. On this day we celebrate that our waiting for the birth of Jesus on Christmas day is almost over. Rose is a liturgical color that is used to signify joy, so we light the single pink candle on the third Sunday of Advent. Then on the fourth Sunday of Advent, the final purple candle is lit to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait expectantly for the soon-coming birth of the King of Kings.
1. The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the ''Prophet's Candle'' reminding us that Jesus is coming.
- Matthew 24:36-44, ''The Once and Future King''
2. The 2nd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Faith with the ''Bethlehem Candle'' reminding us of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.
- Matthew 3:1-12; ''As kingfishers catch fire''
3. The 3rd Sunday of Advent symbolizes Joy with the ''Shepherd's Candle'' reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the coming birth of Jesus.
- Matthew 11:2-15, ''Idylls of the King''
4. The 4th Sunday of Advent symbolizes Peace with the ''Angel's Candle'' reminding us of the message of the angels: ''Peace on Earth, to People He Favors.''
- Luke 2:8-20, ''The Return of the King''
