Exploring the Advent Wreath: Part Two

Weeks of Illumination

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

-Lamentations 3:21-24

So far, we have explored the significance of the wreath. We discussed how the different aspects of the shape and composition of the wreath point us to the love and nature of God. Yet, no advent wreath is sufficient without the adorning candles which are lit consecutively each week of the advent season. The first of the four candles to be lit is the purple candle of Hope.

Hope

The first theme of the advent season is that of hope. This candle is generally lit during the first week of advent and is sometimes referred to as the candle of prophecy. During this time, we harken back to the words of the prophets whose voice served as a beacon of light to a people who were often straying away from God. Significantly, hope is very much tied to anticipation in the words of the prophets, especially in the oracles of the prophet Isaiah who foretold the coming of our Lord. During this time, we reflect back on the promises of God. We place our hope in he who has come into the world, and he who will come again. We place our hope in the one who came to drive away the darkness and give all people new hearts and lead them to salvation.

Hear the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

-Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah speaks to us about the hope of one to come, a hope that challenges us to look through the valleys and pits of life to a shining light upon a hill. He speaks of salvation that comes not through a God who is far off from his creation, but through a child – upon whose shoulders rests the weight of the world. It is not salvation through an ideal, politician, or system of government. It is salvation through a person – through God himself in the flesh. This salvation came into our midst and interacted with humanity. He visited, befriended, and healed those who had ears to hear.

As we continue to move forward in the advent season, reflect upon the Christmas mystery of God entering into our midst. Consider the words of Isaiah who beckons us to keep our eyes fixed, and to be ready – for we know not when our Lord will appear.

Article written by Drew Matz

A native of Southeastern Ohio, Drew moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he earned an MA in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, cultivating a love for Historical Theology and Biblical Languages. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. Being from the Appalachian Foothills, Drew is passionate about the outdoors and the natural wonder it inspires. Drew currently resides in Fort Wayne with his wife and daughter.