The Christ Candle is a profound icon of the church. When aflame we suddenly engage a few remarkable signs which point beyond themselves, into a greater understanding of reality. The white color of the candle points to the holiness and purity of the Son of God, "Oh Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus". There are times throughout the year that there are two Christ candles. One points to the full Divinity of Christ, while the other points to the Full Humanity of Christ. During Advent one large white pillar candle stands alone, pointing to his divine/human nature. Lastly, the flame of this candle points to the reality of Jesus' presence with us. The ambiance of a flickering candle is not the motive for lighting the Christ candle. The flame is a powerful sign which, to a far greater extent points to the powerful reality that God is with us, in His Son, and through His Spirit.
In the flame of the Christ candle, we observe two magnificent events drawn together into one profound reality which demands our response. The empty belly of Mary and the empty belly of the tomb, Christmas and Easter, are affirmed by this flame, and ask each of us: "what will you do with the reality of Jesus?"
Throughout the year there are only two times when this candle is not burning, Advent and Holy Week (Specifically, Good Friday and Holy Saturday). Traditionally, the church has utilized this as a time of fasting, anticipation, and longing. Whether the Messiah was in the belly of His mother or the belly of the earth, He was not with us. The grand narrative of the Bible teaches us that Christ with us is our one true hope and salvation. We were made to commune in the presence of God. It is a mournful time when God's creation does not experience His manifest presence. When the wick of this candle catches fire, our hearts should feel its warmth and our hope should spark once more with the joy of His eternal presence. Yes, Christ has burst forth from the belly of His slumber, and His complete restoration has become a reality.
Every year we gather together to rehearse the reality of what Christ has done once and for all time in history. We know that even during the Advent season, Christ is with us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. As we prepare to light the Christ candle once more, effectively concluding the Advent season and inaugurating the Season of Christmas, let us once again receive the reality of Christ's presence and restoring peace.
Many years ago Charles Wesley penned the Christmas Classic, Hark the Herald. This Christmas Eve, tune your ears to hear (hark) the song the angels are singing, "Glory to the newborn King, Salvation is here, death is defeated, restoration is completed."
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies
With angelic Hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hail the heaven born prince of Peace, hail the Sun or righteousness
Light and life to all He Brings, risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to given them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King."
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Monday, December 23, 2013
Hark The Herald
The Christ Candle is a profound icon of the church. When aflame we suddenly engage a few remarkable signs which point beyond themselves, into a greater understanding of reality. The white color of the candle points to the holiness and purity of the Son of God, "Oh Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus". There are times throughout the year that there are two Christ candles. One points to the full Divinity of Christ, while the other points to the Full Humanity of Christ. During Advent one large white pillar candle stands alone, pointing to his divine/human nature. Lastly, the flame of this candle points to the reality of Jesus' presence with us. The ambiance of a flickering candle is not the motive for lighting the Christ candle. The flame is a powerful sign which, to a far greater extent points to the powerful reality that God is with us, in His Son, and through His Spirit.
In the flame of the Christ candle, we observe two magnificent events drawn together into one profound reality which demands our response. The empty belly of Mary and the empty belly of the tomb, Christmas and Easter, are affirmed by this flame, and ask each of us: "what will you do with the reality of Jesus?"
Throughout the year there are only two times when this candle is not burning, Advent and Holy Week (Specifically, Good Friday and Holy Saturday). Traditionally, the church has utilized this as a time of fasting, anticipation, and longing. Whether the Messiah was in the belly of His mother or the belly of the earth, He was not with us. The grand narrative of the Bible teaches us that Christ with us is our one true hope and salvation. We were made to commune in the presence of God. It is a mournful time when God's creation does not experience His manifest presence. When the wick of this candle catches fire, our hearts should feel its warmth and our hope should spark once more with the joy of His eternal presence. Yes, Christ has burst forth from the belly of His slumber, and His complete restoration has become a reality.
Every year we gather together to rehearse the reality of what Christ has done once and for all time in history. We know that even during the Advent season, Christ is with us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. As we prepare to light the Christ candle once more, effectively concluding the Advent season and inaugurating the Season of Christmas, let us once again receive the reality of Christ's presence and restoring peace.
Many years ago Charles Wesley penned the Christmas Classic, Hark the Herald. This Christmas Eve, tune your ears to hear (hark) the song the angels are singing, "Glory to the newborn King, Salvation is here, death is defeated, restoration is completed."
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies
With angelic Hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hail the heaven born prince of Peace, hail the Sun or righteousness
Light and life to all He Brings, risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to given them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King."
In the flame of the Christ candle, we observe two magnificent events drawn together into one profound reality which demands our response. The empty belly of Mary and the empty belly of the tomb, Christmas and Easter, are affirmed by this flame, and ask each of us: "what will you do with the reality of Jesus?"
Throughout the year there are only two times when this candle is not burning, Advent and Holy Week (Specifically, Good Friday and Holy Saturday). Traditionally, the church has utilized this as a time of fasting, anticipation, and longing. Whether the Messiah was in the belly of His mother or the belly of the earth, He was not with us. The grand narrative of the Bible teaches us that Christ with us is our one true hope and salvation. We were made to commune in the presence of God. It is a mournful time when God's creation does not experience His manifest presence. When the wick of this candle catches fire, our hearts should feel its warmth and our hope should spark once more with the joy of His eternal presence. Yes, Christ has burst forth from the belly of His slumber, and His complete restoration has become a reality.
Every year we gather together to rehearse the reality of what Christ has done once and for all time in history. We know that even during the Advent season, Christ is with us in the presence of His Holy Spirit. As we prepare to light the Christ candle once more, effectively concluding the Advent season and inaugurating the Season of Christmas, let us once again receive the reality of Christ's presence and restoring peace.
Many years ago Charles Wesley penned the Christmas Classic, Hark the Herald. This Christmas Eve, tune your ears to hear (hark) the song the angels are singing, "Glory to the newborn King, Salvation is here, death is defeated, restoration is completed."
Hark the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies
With angelic Hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hail the heaven born prince of Peace, hail the Sun or righteousness
Light and life to all He Brings, risen with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to given them second birth
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the Newborn King."
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