December 2024

This year, as we prepare for Christmas, we should remember the importance of the Advent Wreath. The circle of the wreath symbolizes eter-nity, and the evergreens signify continuous life. The four candles represent the light of Christ entering the world and symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love!

The candle of HOPE – “Hope in the Lord! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

This first candle reminds us to have hope in every circumstance and through every situation we encounter in the day to day. Whenever we choose to hope for a better life, a better future, and a better world, we remember the power of our Lord to overcome evil with love. He is the source of our strength and courage so we can keep moving on!

The candle of PEACE – “Observe those who have integrity and watch those whose heart is right because the future belongs to persons of peace.” Psalm 37:37

The second candle reminds us that in order to live in peace requires effort on our part, but the result is worth it. We should spend time watch-ing those who have integrity and emulate them. We should aspire to speak and act like those among us whose heart is right and whose actions bring peace.

The candle of JOY – “You who are righteous, rejoice in the Lord and be glad! All you whose hearts are right, sing out in joy!” Psalm 32:11

The third candle encourages us to express our gratitude, our joy, and our trust in the Lord openly and enthusiastically! When we celebrate every good news and every friendly conversation with gratitude and joy, others can rejoice
too. When we point out the positive, when we uplift the truth, when we admire beauty and rejoice in the Lord, joy touches the lives of those around us!

The candle of LOVE – “Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the Lord’s house as long as I live.” Psalm 23:6

The fourth candle gives us the assurance that God’s goodness will prevail in the world, that his presence will always be with us and that his love will always follow us wherever we go. His goodness is running after us, his faithful love will always embrace us, and we have a safe space in the house of the Lord all of the days of our lives.

Blessings!
Rev. Ileana Rosario