Christmas

The Christ Candle--Christmas!

The Christ Candle--Christmas!

e lit the Christ candle tonight to show that Christ is with us now. He is born. He is the Light of the world Who has come to forgive us of all our sins and bring us eternal life!

Tonight, at church, I heard a statement that resonated with me. The pastor said, “Christmas has always been in God’s heart—but for Christmas to be the true gift it was meant to be—it must be received fully by each of us.”

Have you received the full gift of Christmas?

Joy—Week Three—Advent

Joy—Week Three—Advent

Today, we light the third candle on the Advent wreath – the candle of Joy!

In some churches, the third candle is the “Shepherds’ Candle”—but in others, it is the candle that symbolizes Joy! The focus on the joy the shepherds felt in discovering the Christ child might have occasioned this candle representing joy.

We think of the joy the arrival of the Savior brought to those who had been awaiting His coming, the joy He brought through his resurrection and opening the doors to eternal life, and the joy we now experience through the gift He gives us—the Holy Spirit—the Comforter, our Counselor who resides within each believer.

Some churches use a pink candle on this day. Catholic church historians believe…

Peace Week Two – Advent

Peace       Week Two – Advent

This past Sunday marked the second Sunday of Advent. Many churches and families celebrate Advent by lighting a candle each week in an Advent wreath. Each candle represents a specific aspect of Jesus and His Ministry.

The second candle, the one that was lit last Sunday, is the Candle of Peace. It is a purple candle that symbolizes the perfect peace that Jesus gives each of His believers.

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Since the beginning, Satan has been fighting against goodness, and humans have fought against God, making the earth a battleground. So, how do we find our peace in the midst of this?

The Story Behind "Joy to the World!"

The Story Behind   "Joy to the World!"

“Joy to the World” is one of the most beloved carols. But, a review of the history of the song proves that it is actually not a carol. In fact, it isn’t even about Christmas—at least not as its author intended.

Isaac Watts, the author of this hymn, is considered to be the “father of English hymns,” having penned more than 750 hymns.

Isaac Watts was born in 1674, in South Hampton, England. He was raised in a deeply religious family. In fact, Watts earliest memories were of his father’s convictions about religious liberty. His father was jailed twice rather than conform to the Church of England…