The lighting of the Advent candles reminds us that Jesus, the true light will soon enter the world. Jesus calls us “the light of the world” and bids us to shine in his image, and to not hide our light.
The true Light which enlightens all was coming into the world.
The Gospel of John begins with a beautiful image of light. This image is in the Bible from beginning to end. God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light in Genesis 1. At the very end of the Bible, in the book of Revelation, the Holy city of Jerusalem is described as a place having no need for candles or light because God is fully present and all is light.
Sometimes, this season of Advent and Christmas is called the Season of Light. As we light candles, we remember this biblical image. The strong light which enlightens us comes to us. The light shatters the darkness.
We give thanks that Christ calls us to be light. Out of generosity and graciousness, God calls us lights. “You are the light of the world,” Jesus says. A candle lit is not put under a bushel but on a candle stand so that all in the house see it.
The light of candles is indeed beautiful and in this Holy season, we are called to live beautiful lives that point people toward Christ who comes. May the light of this season illumine your heart, your life, your household, your church, your community and indeed, the entire world.
We give thanks, we sing, we light candles to welcome the one who comes to illumine this entire creation with abundant and transforming love.