The First Sunday of Advent: Hope
Illuminating Hope through Prophecy and Promise
The meaning of the first candle on the Advent wreath, which represents hope and is sometimes referred to as the "Prophecy Candle," is derived from the extensive body of biblical prophecy.
The scriptures come to life when we light this candle, reminding us of the previous promises and guiding us toward the fulfillment found in the birth of Jesus Christ.
A Child is Born
The prophet Isaiah, whose words have been heard throughout the ages, provides essential insights into the expectation and hope surrounding the arrival of the Messiah. Beautifully capturing the spirit of the Advent season is Isaiah 9:6 (NIV):
"For to us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Jesus the King
The royal purple glow of the first candle fits in perfectly with the idea of Christ's monarchy. This regal vision is reinforced in Zechariah 9:9 (NIV):
"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
A Holistic Story
In addition to commemorating the birth of Christ, the Advent season highlights how the Old and New Testaments are consistent with one another. Micah 5:2 (NIV) foretells the lowly beginnings of the future Messiah:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
Promises Fulfilled
The Advent wreath serves as a visual reminder of the promises fulfilled in Christ as the first candle flickers and illuminates it. Romans 15:12 (NIV) captures this hope's universality:
"And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him, the Gentiles will hope.'"
A Sunday of Hope
Let these verses, which connect us to the ageless story of hope and redemption found in the pages of Scripture, ring true in our hearts during Advent.
The first candle on the Advent wreath is a concrete link to the profound truths woven throughout the Bible, a constant reminder that the hope we celebrate during this season is eternal and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who writes about faith and writing books. He has self-published 3 bible study devotionals on Amazon. Check them out below: