Four Sundays before Christmas we start celebrating the advent by lighting the first candle of four (some cultures use five candles). Each week a candle is lit to remind us of the special arrival of the Christ child.
The first candle is the Prophecy candle or Candle of Hope. Reminding us of the prophecies of Christ in the scriptures and the hope that lies ahead.
The second candle is the Bethlehem candle or Candle of Preparation. Bringing to our recollection the promise of Jesus being born in Bethlehem and the urgency for us to prepare our self for that special occasion.
The third candle is the Shepherd candle or Candle of Joy. Lighting that candle should prompt us to think about the joyful message brought to the shepherds from heavenly hosts.
The fourth candle is the Angle candle or Candle of Love. The message brought from the heavens was ultimately a message of Love that stirs hearts and changes lives.
Every year I find different ways to display my advent candles. The most traditional way to display them is using a wreath that is either hung up vertically or placed on a table with the four candles and some type of decorations. But like I said, every year I try something new. This year its old books, evergreens and white lights on my mantel. I marked each candle with its number. You can also mark them by their names or not mark them at all. The old books I got at my local thrift store. I added paint to some books and I also wrapped a few. Bookmarks with Christmas sayings add a nice little detail.
