Advent Week 1: The Hope of the Prophets

We are officially in the season of Advent, the four weeks before December 25th when we take time to remember Jesus’ first coming and the true meaning of Christmas.

For most of us, Advent brings to mind images of four candles, one for each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas. But what do those candles represent and how can they help us develop a deeper understanding of our Savior’s birth?

In the next few weeks, we are going to explore these candles and the significance behind each one of them. Today, we will begin by diving into what the first candle means.

The first candle, sometimes referred to as the “prophecy candle,” symbolizes hope. But not just any hope; it is representative of the expectation and anticipation surrounding the arrival of the Messiah. Along with this hope, the first candle also serves as a reminder of the prophets, like Isaiah, who faithfully prophesied about the birth of Jesus.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

As we reflect on and remember the expectation the prophets felt before Jesus arrived, we can also be reminded of our own. Just as the prophets anticipated God’s deliverance of a Messiah, we also anticipate the second coming of Jesus Christ when He will rescue all believers from sin and usher us into eternal life.

Did the prophets hope and wait expectantly in vain? No. And neither will we. God was faithful to fulfill His prophecies when He first delivered a Messiah in the form of a baby in a manger, and He will prove His faithfulness again when Jesus comes as a conquering King.

Let this “prophecy candle” be a beautiful reminder that God will always keep His promises, and let’s use this week to reflect on the eternal hope God has given us through Jesus Christ our Savior.