The Lighting of The Prophecy Candle – (purple) the candle of hope Read Romans 15:12-13 We begin the Christmas season with a review the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of a Savior. In Matthew 1:22-23, the gospel writer said, “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of…….Read More
Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “coming”. For Christians, celebrating Advent helps to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the “coming” of Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. The Advent Season begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which…….Read More
“My people are destroyed for the lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6 Although these words described God’s attitude toward the Israelites in the 7th century B.C., they also describe most Christians today, especially our children and youth. Biblical ignorance is at an all-time high, and parallel to that report is the rise in the disintegration of…….Read More
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The Lighting of The Christ Candle – (white) John 1:29 Our waiting is over – Christmas Day is here. As we relight the three purple candles, and the pink candle, we now celebrate the birth of Christ our Savior and Lord. The first purple candle was the Prophecy candle, the candle of hope. The second…….Read More
The Lighting of the Angel Candle – (purple) the candle of love John 3:16-17 As we re-light the two purple candles and the pink candle, we remember the meaning of Advent is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas, walking through those historical steps, and taking our time to…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:19-21 When Herod died, God called Joseph to bring Jesus back to Israel. So, Joseph and Mary loaded the donkey again, and moved to Nazareth, where Jesus lived until He began His ministry. Everyone in the Christmas story had to decide what to do about the Messiah who had come. While they certainly…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:16-18 When the Magi didn’t return to tell Herod where they had found the new-born King, Herod was furious. He was so filled with anger and rage, he ordered all the baby boys, age two and under, living in or near Bethlehem to be killed. Since he couldn’t find out which baby was…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:13-15 Not only did God warn the Magi about Herod, but He also sent His angel to warn Joseph to leave Israel, go to Egypt, and remain there until the Lord told him to return. Joseph put Mary and Jesus on the donkey again and left for Egypt, and they stayed there until…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:12 The Scriptures are silent regarding how long the wise men stayed with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, and we will respect that silence. However, Matthew leads us to believe that once their discovery was made, and the gifts were given, perhaps not wanting to interrupt their humble dwellings with their regaliant presence, they…….Read More
Read Matthew 2:11 Undoubtedly, the wise men were astounded to see this new-born King in such humble surroundings. No doubt they had expected Him to be the Son of royalty, perhaps a reigning monarch with all the splendor and wealth He would deserve. But even though they found Him in a common home with common…….Read More