Advent lessons - Advent wreath!

Many of us may enjoy the tradition of an advent wreath in our homes. Do we think about the meaning of that pretty symbol of Christmas?
The tradition is an old one -- it started way back in 16th century Germany. The date to start the candles varies each year. Here in the West, it begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, or the Sunday closest to November 30. Candles are lit each Sunday and each one represents an aspect of our preparation for the coming of our Lord.
Let's look at each part . . .

First, the Advent wreath is a circular arrangement of evergreen branches; both the shape of the arrangement and the evergreens represent eternity, and never-ending life. This is the life promised to us by God in His Word:

 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29)

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (I John 5:11)

Next, four candles are placed on the wreath: three purple candles and one pink. More modern celebrants have added a white candle in the center.
On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This one is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of God's prophets who foretold the birth of Christ.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

This purple candle represents hope and expectation; it makes us think of the anticipation of the Jewish people as they longed for their Messiah.
The second candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent; this candle represents love, and some people call it the Bethlehem candle. It symbolizes Christ's being laid in a manger:

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”. . . So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. (Luke 2:12, 16)

The third candle is pink, and it is lit on the third Sunday of Advent. The pink, or rose-colored, candle represents joy:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)

The last of the purple candles is often called the Angel's Candle, and represents peace. It is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)

The final, center candle is lit on Christmas Eve. It's white, and it represents the life of Christ, the Messiah that has come to the world. White represents purity, and symbolizes the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. When we receive Jesus' gift of salvation, we are washed of our sins -- we are made whiter than snow.

“Come now, let us settle the matter,”    says the Lord.“Though your sins are like scarlet,    they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,    they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)

What a promise He has made to us! How joyful we should be as we celebrate!
Thank you Lord, for your plan, and for the results of that plan! Our sins are gone! We have eternal life in You! Truly Christmas is a joyful and peaceful time when we contemplate these things.
Perhaps an Advent wreath would be a good addition to our homes; another way to witness to those with whom we hope to share the gospel.