Advent is nearly upon us! Here at Pittsburgh Candle Works, we recognize the holiday season as a special time of year rooted in reflection and anticipation.
Advent is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. We created a special candle set that will help you and your family celebrate this beautiful, hopeful time of year.
We pray this blog post encourages you, as it has us, to make our heart a Bethlehem, ready for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Week One: The Candle of Hope
This candle is sometimes called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. Hope is the assurance that God will finish the good work He began in eternity past. The Candle of Hope represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Light the Candle of Hope and read Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, and Micah 5:2
Week Two: The Candle of Peace
This candle represents the “shalom,” or peace, God promised and ushered in during the first advent of Jesus (his birth). In Christ, God restored us to perfect union with Him. Moreover, it represents the heavenly peace that will occur with Jesus’ second coming. The Candle of Peace is a reminder of the peace we enjoy as believers.
Light the Candle of Peace and read Luke 2:14, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 9:6, 54:10, and Ezekiel 34:24-25a
Week Three: The Candle of Joy
This candle represents the joy of our salvation that is found in the person of Jesus. Joy is not necessarily what our Western perspective would suggest, which is happiness. Rather, biblical joy communicates peace, comfort, stability, and yes, sometimes happiness. What distinguishes joy is its rooting in the Lord. When you light this candle, consider the joy of forever being united to Christ.
Light the Candle of Joy and read Luke 2:10, Nehemiah 8:9-10, Psalm 96:11-13, Isaiah 49:13, and John 15:11
Week Four: The Candle of Love
This candle helps us remember the love God has for us as shown in both the Old Testament and New Testament. God is love, so to know Him is to know perfect love. Love originates within the Trinity, with the eternal relationship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share for each other. Believers enjoy love as those called to love one another, to love the Lord, and as the object of God’s affection.
Light the Candle of Love and read Genesis 1:26-30, Isaiah 54:10, Nehemiah 9:17, John 3:16, and 1 John 4:10
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day: The Christ Candle
This candle is for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World. Merry Christmas! Light your candle and celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Some may choose to only light this candle on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Some may choose to light it every night of the advent season. Whatever you decide, it will be perfect for you and your family.
Light the Christ Candle and read Luke 2:1-21, John 1:9, John 8:12
To close, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season! We are grateful you have chosen to spend some of your holiday time with us, and perhaps even share our scent in your home throughout the season (and year). Have a great Advent and an even better Christmas, remembering that Jesus is the reason for the season, after all!