Dearest children of the Heavenly Father:
Each week another candle on the Advent wreath is lighted, telling us that Christmas is nearer. Christmas is the Father giving us sinners the greatest gift of all: Emmanuel. And where there is Jesus, there is hope, peace, joy, and love. The four candles on the Advent wreath, each representing one aspect of our new life in Christ, remind us of this:
Hope
“Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will come, even He who arises to rule the Gentiles; in Him will the Gentiles hope.” [Romans 15:12]
Peace
“You, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me one who is to be ruler in Israel, … and He shall be their peace.” [Micah 5:2-5]
Joy
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” [Luke 2:10-11]
Love
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16]In the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ, we live together as brothers and sisters. As God’s family. Rejoicing in each other’s joys. Sharing in each other’s sorrows. Carrying each other’s burdens. Praying for one another. Forgiving one another. Encouraging one another. Building one another up. As the body of Christ, we can do no less.
Whoever you are, whatever your past, whatever temptations and sins afflict you, whatever doubts have plagued you, whatever trials and tribulations might overwhelm you, you have a Savior who came to bring you hope, peace, joy, and love. For you He was born. For you He was baptized. For you He lived. For you He suffered. For you He died. For you He rose again. For you He ascended. For you He sent His Holy Spirit. For you He established His Church. For you He gives gracious gifts in Word and Sacrament. For you He still intercedes. For you He is preparing a room in His Father’s house.
As Advent gives way to Christmas, so the four candles will give way to the Jesus candle in the center of the wreath. He is, after all, “the Light of the world” (John 8:12) who brings hope, peace, joy, and love to our troubled hearts and lives. Enlightened by “the true Light, which gives light to everyone” (John 1:9), “let your light shine before others”—this Christmas, in the New Year, and always—“so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
On behalf of Adam, Michael, Caleb, Zachary, Lori and myself, God’s peace and goodwill to you. Now and always!
In Christ, Pastor Mumme
