Many people participate in lighting Advent candles, but they have no idea of the true meaning behind it. Though the practice of Advent has many years-worth of tradition, several traditions are worth noting. Many attribute the incorporation of wreaths into Christmas decorations as an early form of practicing Advent. The first Advent wreath is credited to a Lutheran minister in Germany (1839) who was working at a mission for children as they were impatiently counting down to Christmas. He created a wreath out of the wheel of a cart and placed twenty small red candles and four large white candles inside the ring. The red candles were lit on weekdays and the four white candles were lit on Sundays as a countdown to Christmas. Eventually, this tradition became the Advent wreath we know today which is created out of evergreens, symbolizing everlasting life in the midst of winter and death. The circle became a symbol to remind us of God’s unending love and the eternal life He makes possible. Additional decorations, like red holly and berries point to Jesus’ sacrifice and death. Pinecones symbolized the new life that Jesus brings through His resurrection.
The candles themselves are also deeply meaningful. John 1:4-5 tells us that Jesus came and “his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”  The candles symbolize the light of Christ in a dark world.
As the traditions stretched over years, eventually the smaller weekday candles were left out and just the candle representing each of the four Sundays before Christmas remained, each taking on their own meaning. As those candles representing hope, peace, joy and love were lit, what they symbolized was to be remembered.

The second candle is the Candle of Peace. John 14:27 (NLT) says, ”“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.“

Jesus’ arrival as Messiah marks a distinct contrast between an earthly world full of conflict and unrest and a supernatural world that rests amidst the chaos. Today is no different, as we experience a world full of hate, war, anxiety, confusion, and distrust. Yet, we are challenged that Jesus brings peace that is beyond our understanding. As we talked last week, hope is the waiting knowing that a Savior has come and will come again to make all things right. Similarly, he promises peace - the peace that is found in heaven yet isn’t fully evidenced here and now.

Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah saying, ”For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.“ Prince of Peace. It’s interesting that not only is Jesus described as peaceful, but he actually owns the title and authority, Prince of Peace. Jesus stands in a place of authority as the ultimate peacemaker - the reconciler of humanity to her Creator.

Even as Jesus speaks  of his own return to Heaven, he promises to leave behind the gift of peace to his followers. He says, “Don’t be troubled or afraid.” Further, “… peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.” (John 14:27) The peace we’ve been given is other worldly. It’s uncommon - unknown to those not resting in the hope of Christ.

As we enter this holiday season, many of us find these times full of stress and anxiety. The Candle of Peace is a reminder to pause and reflect upon Jesus and the peace he brings. It’s an opportunity to be carriers of peace. It’s an opportunity to breath deeply of the Holy Spirit and refrain from being troubled or afraid. It’s an opportunity to be of peaceful mind and heart. During this holiday, may you find peace in Jesus amidst the busyness and chaos of the world around us.