Bible Reading: Romans 13:11-14 & Matthew 24:36-44
This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. During this time the faithful are admonished
- to prepare themselves worthily to celebrate the anniversary of the Lord’s coming into the world as the incarnate God of love,
- thus to make their souls fitting abodes for the Redeemer coming in Holy Communion and through grace, and
- thereby to make themselves ready for His final coming as judge, at death and the end of the world.
During this time the services will commence with the lighting of Advent candles followed by a short prayer. The first Candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent it is called the Prophecy Candle and reminds us that Jesus’ coming was prophesied hundreds of years before He was born. The candle’s purple colour represents Christ royalty as the King of Kings.
The second candle, lit on the second Sunday of Advent along with the first candle, is the Bethlehem candle, reminding us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.it too is purple reminding us that it was a King who was born in a manger.
The third candle, lit on the third Sunday of Advent with the first two, is the Shepard’s candle. We are reminded that God sent the angels to proclaim His arrival to common (man) and that He still uses ordinary people today to spread the good news of Christ. This candle is pink or rose and represents God’s love and faithfulness.
The fourth candle lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent is the Angel’s candle. As we light this flame, we are reminded of the heavenly hosts that proclaimed Christ’s arrival with “Behold, I bring unto you good tiding of great joy!” The Angel candle is also purple, reminding us that it was a King’s birth the angels were announcing.
But also, as we commemorate Advent, we have to remember that our country is also observing what is called 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, which is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December. Other key commemorative days during this period include World Aids Day on the 1st December and International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3 December of every year. This year’s theme for 16 Days Campaign is: Enough is Enough.
Please be an activist against gender-based violence in your home, community, work and position. Play your part.