The Four Candles of Advent

The holiday season can easily get crowded out by the noise and busyness of consumerism if we aren’t careful. In an effort to anchor Christmas to its true meaning, many families include traditions such as lighting Advent candles. Advent is a time of anticipation between Thanksgiving and Christmas leading up to the celebration of Jesus' birth. Families may light Advent candles, one each week during dinner, followed by a meaningful reading or prayer. Each candle represents something different—love, hope, joy, and peace. Whether you participate in Advent or not, there is beauty in reflecting upon how Jesus delivers these virtues to the world and to our lives. 

Hope

Our Savior’s birth delivered hope into the world. No matter the hardship we face, God’s hope-filled arrival means we can have hope right here, right now. The gift of hope was not just for the past—it’s for our present and our future too. We can hold a hopeful expectation for the dreams in our hearts, the deep prayers, and the desires we hold dear. 

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord;

I wait for God my Savior.

My God will hear me.”—Micah 7:7

Questions for reflection: 

1. What am I hopeful for today? 
2. In what areas have I put hope in my circumstances rather than my Savior?
3. Who needs the hope that I have? 

Joy

We all know what happiness feels like, a smile, a rush of warm-fuzzies, the feeling you get after opening a gift. Jesus delights in the moments of happiness in our lives, but He also offers us something that goes beyond momentary happiness—lasting joy. Our Savior’s arrival offered a gift of great joy to the world—eternal love and life with Him. He is Immanuel, God with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter what comes our way, we can unwrap the gift of lasting joy in our lives as we rest in the truth of God’s immeasurable love. 

“But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”—Luke 2:10–11

Questions for reflection:

1. When was the last time you felt happiness? What about lasting joy?
2. What attribute of God brings a smile to your face? 
3. What does choosing joy look like this Christmas?  

Peace

When you consider the hustle and bustle of Christmas, peace may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s important to pause and consider this gift of peace that God gives us in His Son Jesus. In fact, He wants to give us peace at all times in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16)—that’s a big promise! So take a breath, invite God’s peace into your home and heart. Lay your burdens at His feet and trust that He’s fighting battles on your behalf. 

“For a child will be born for us,

a son will be given to us,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

He will be named

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6

Questions for reflection: 

1. What are some things that steal your peace during the holiday season? 
2. What helps you embrace God’s peace? 
3. How can you slow down and delight in God’s peace this Christmas?

Love

God’s unending and limitless love is a gift that holds the power to transform our hearts and lives. When we sit and reflect on how deeply He loves us, it enables us to freely love others, walk with confidence, and face the unknowns in our future. When we grasp the magnitude of God’s love, wrapped in the gift of His Son, Jesus, it changes the way we view Christmas. The lights, the tree, the gifts, and the music are all lovely, but don’t compare to the beauty of God’s unconditional love. 

“God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his one and only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”—1 John 4:9

Questions for reflection: 

1. When do you feel most loved by God? 
2. How might you reflect God’s love to others this season?
3. What is one way you can reflect on God’s love this Christmas?

More Get Your Hopes Up series resources
For more Joy to the World series resources, click here.