The much-awaited feeling of Christmas is back with us once again. Despite the challenges, upheavals and crises surrounding us, most of us exhibit resilience. Without harping about the past, we navigate our life’s journey. The immense joy at heart is to note that time has ushered us into the yuletide. Cherished memories of the past celebration implode around this time with the possibility to make new ones, to create new ones.
Christmas, as we know, is about the nativity of our saviour, Lord Jesus Christ. His birth was a consequence of the incarnation, which means the word of God became flesh and dwelt among humans. This was to fulfil God’s covenant to humanity dispensed with love and mercy. This message keeps resonating before the world during this time of the year with humility of the Bethlehem crib, where Jesus was born.
Many of our lives and homes will sink deeply with Christmas activities beginning today, December 1. Christmas decorations and cribs will start emerging in the markets. The decorations set the tone for welcoming ambience, instilling a sense of happiness.
We will allow ourselves to be consumed by the demands of the season to the extent of over-stretching and stressing ourselves. Our minds and feelings will grapple with anticipation of new beginnings for brighter future.
Starting today, December 1 and ending on the December 22, we will mark the advent season. The meaning of advent and prominence it holds in Christian life assumes relevance from hereon. How we aim to prepare our hearts and homes will provide an opportunity for awakening in the minds of the less informed.
Advent is a preparation for the revival of our faith, an inner search of heart and mind. It is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25, as well as anticipate His second coming as the creator of the universe. It provides an opportunity to reflect on, for those who seriously consider the significance of the coming of their Lord. The season is of great spiritual renewal that aligns us to have sublime relationship with God.
Virtues take shape while we crave for the best during the season of Advent. Being considerate and helpful to others is what makes us have humanity. Most of the Christians express love and indulge in acts of kindness selflessly without expecting anything in return. It is believed that relationships thrive when we cater to the needs of others. When we truly love, our outward expressions match the goodness of our hearts. Besides, it is also a time for self-introspection and giving up the sinful life. The transgressions are confessed, and commitments made to embrace goodness in all its forms.
This period is also marked by lighting of four candles, each on the four Sundays leading to Christmas. Candles shed light to dispel darkness, they also illuminate our hearts creating an awakening to find the purpose of life. The candles are placed on a Christmas wreath representing themes of hope, peace, joy and love. What is clear from all these themes is that they are intertwined, centering the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
The first candle representing hope is also called the prophecy candle lit on the first Sunday of Advent. The prophets foretold the birth of the Messiah that delivered hope into this world. While we hope for good things, our lives are often hit by failures, we go downhill. Renewed hope gives strength to start again.
As we prepare for the Lord’s coming, our hopes keep rising, making us believe that the Lord will come with great light to dispel the gloom and illuminate the path of victory. That is the faith we have in Christ.
Candle of peace is called the Bethlehem’s candle lit on the second Sunday of Advent.
Jesus, also known as Messiah, wonderful counsellor, the Prince of Peace was born in a Bethlehem stable. The Angels sang, “Peace on earth, goodwill to men, today is born a King”. It’s a reminder that the Christ child brings peace into our turbulent world to cease hatred, oppression and conflicts.
The third candle represents joy and is called the shepherd’s candle. The shepherds were filled with joy on hearing the good news of the Messiah’s birth. They immediately went to see Him and found Him in the stable lying in a manger. This news soon spread to others who were filled with joy and amazement. Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, the Saviour lived and died to save mankind from sins. That is the fulfilling joy of God’s covenant.
The fourth candle is also called the Angel’s candle. It represents God’s love for humanity expressed through the birth of Jesus. The Christ child dwells among humans and reconciles them to God so that humanity may have eternal life. Therefore, every human who loves others is born of God and knows God, because God is love.
With love at heart and good thoughts in mind, Jesus expects us to exchange messages of goodwill with near and dear ones. The spirit of giving and sharing needs to be in its purest form.
Christmas carols do the magic of spreading joy. The gift of redemption in the midst will then surely pave the way for better days to come in our lives.