Friends, the time is coming where we gather together for the Advent season. It is the time where we begin to see those special holiday traditions, both our own and out in our community.
One of the traditions that many communities of faith practice during this time is the lighting of the Advent Candles. But how did we get this tradition? Where did it come from and how has it survived as a part of our journey to Christmas?
According to Rev William Saunders, author of “The History of the Advent Wreath,” this tradition dates far back before the Middle Ages, when folks would use wreathes with lit candles in cold December months as a sign of hope for the warmer spring months to come. This tradition was then adapted by communities of faith in the Middle Ages to symbolize Jesus bringing light into the world.
By the 1600s, this tradition was widely practiced by communities of faith as part of their Christmas preparation.
While the meaning of the candles can be adapted to fit the specific traditions and hopes for individual faith groups, the symbolism of light plays a consistent role in our Christmas traditions. The Advent Candles bring the hope of light into the world in 2017 just as they did in their origins.
We as people of faith are called to bring light into the world, to shine like stars as we work transform hearts and minds. It is with this reminder that we enter into the season of Advent, focusing on the light.
This week the United Methodist Middletown and Kelseyville we will be welcoming this season of our Christian calendar with a service focused on Lessons and Carols of the church. Reading our way from Genesis to John, we will take a journey focused on the promise of the Christ child, the hope for our future, and the celebration of Christmas.
We will be reminded once again to follow the star, to search for the light.
Melissa Hurley is Pastor at Kelseyville United Methodist Church and Middletown Community United Methodist Church. Please join us in Kelseyville at 9 a.m. or Middletown at 11 a.m. as we celebrate the season of Advent through a service of Lessons and Carols. All are welcome.
