Today we light the final candle of the Advent Season.  The Christ Candle is the  white candle in the center symbolizing purity, just like the spotless Lamb of God.

Advent wreath with candles

The Christ Candle

by Jennifer Wake

 

It is darker than usual in the sanctuary and a hush falls over the congregation. Christmas is upon us. Christmas Eve service is marked with the four candles burning brightly. They create a halo effect around the center candle which stands tall and white, pure and grand. The center candle is taller than the others, ready to shine as a light upon a hill.

 

The Christ Candle is placed in the center of the wreath.

It is white, symbolizing purity, just like the spotless Lamb of God. Some churches wait to bring out the Christ candle until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Waiting to add it to the center of the wreath builds suspense and reminds us of his birth and his second coming. No one knew the time of his birth before it happened. No one knows the time of his return. We are to wait expectantly for his second coming.

 

To remind us of Christ’s sacrifice, Advent continues through to Epiphany which falls on January 6th, approximately forty days after the first Sunday of Advent. Epiphany is also a holy day to remind us of the Magi visiting Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to warm them of Herod’s evil schemes. We don’t know exactly when they arrived, but due to Herod’s order requiring all male children two and under to be murdered, historians believe they arrived after Jesus’ birth but before his third birthday. 

 

Just as Advent is marked by a spirit of hope, faith, joy and love, so the Christ candle reminds us how the birth of Christ fulfills all the prophecies regarding the Messiah. It reminds us to anticipate and long for Christ’s return. It reminds us to be lights in the darkness, to be the light on the hill proclaiming Christ is Lord! 

 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

 

He is the center of all we do and his candle sits in the center of our wreaths.  Jesus HAS COME!! AND CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN.

 

As you spend this week preparing for Christ’s return, here are some faith-building Scriptures to read every day.

John 8:12

  1 John 4:9-10

Luke 1:68-69

 

Hymns to sing with your family:

O Come O Come Emmanuel

O Come All Ye Faithful

Joy To the World

Hark the Herald Angels

Silent Night Holy Night

 

If you missed it, you can find the introduction to Advent here, the first candle of hope, the second candle of faith, the third candle of joy, and the fourth candle of love.