Hope (Prophecy Candle)
Colton White
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023
In Isaiah 9, the people are in darkness, but as Isaiah communicates his vision, he talks about the present as if it were already the past. He speaks of a promise that has been mentioned over and over throughout the Old Testament—someone is coming. Week 1 of Advent is known as the “prophecy candle," as we consider the prophecies that speak of the coming of Christ, it is good to remember that the coming of Christ was planned and purposed many years before His arrival. We can have hope because, in the providence of God, He moves the pieces on the board as He pleases. That is good news for us!
Love (Bethlehem Candle)
Colton White
Sunday, December 10th, 2023
As Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem due to the decree from Caesar, it would seem that the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ are outside of God’s control. On the contrary, in the midst of the chaos, we see that God is sovereign over everything in this story. As Mary gives birth in a manger, we see a long-awaited promise fulfilled—God now dwells with us. In the providence of God, we see His love for His people through the birth of His Son.
Joy (Shepherd's Candle)
Colton White
Sunday, December 17th, 2023
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” The coming of Christ is the greatest proclamation that has ever occurred. This proclamation, for the one who truly hears it, can only be received with joy. God has not called us into a life of fear, but He has called us into a life of joy. God put the shepherds in a specific place for a specific purpose so that they would experience the joy of the coming of the Lord. In the same way, God has placed us in a specific place for a specific purpose so that we too can experience the joy of the coming of the Lord.
Peace (Angel's Candle)
Colton White
Sunday, December 24th, 2023
Glory and peace are two words that cannot be separated. In this verse, we see a wonderful truth: Your peace depends on what you glorify. If you glorify yourself or the things of this world, you will not find peace. You will find fear, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. For those who are focused on the glory of God, they will find peace in the coming of Jesus Christ.
