Friends
The themes for lighting Advent candles are hope, peace, joy and love. On the first Sunday in
Advent in our churches we lit the candle of hope, sometimes called the Prophecy Candle,
symbolising hope and the anticipation of the Messiah, recalling biblical prophecy. This
second Sunday in Advent we light the candle of peace. The second candle, the Bethlehem
Candle, represents peace and the journey to Bethlehem, reflecting the peace Christ’s birth
brings.
The liturgy for each week involves prayers, bible readings, and a moment of reflection on the
theme as the candle is lit, and this often builds on the stories of the prophets, the angels,
Mary, and the shepherds. In many traditions a fifth candle is lit on Christmas Eve or
Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus.
However we reflect individually and corporately this Advent Season may we share the
Christian message with all who we meet, seeking God’s guidance in prayer.
God bless love Debbie