Let’s get ready!
Advent is the time of expectant watching and waiting for the coming of Jesus (his birth). In our church we have an Advent Wreath and each of the four Sundays of Advent, a family will read appropriate scripture and light the candle. It’s a special time as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of our Savior’s birth.
Our church family got a head start on preparing for the”getting ready” season of Advent. Last Sunday, one of our worshipers gifted each of us with a candy cane. “It’s not to eat!” she explained to us, “but to remind us of who our shepherd is.”
There are several legends about the origin and significance of the candy cane. One is of a candy maker who shaped the stick of candy in the form of a J to represent the name of Jesus. The white stripes symbolized the purity of His birth while the red stripes recognize the shedding of His blood on the cross for the redemption of our sins.
Another story is that a choirmaster in Germany in 1670 gave sticks of candy to his young singers to help them remain quiet during the long service. Candles were used to bend the candy into the shape of a shepherd’s crook.
You may know other legends about the candy cane or have relevant stories to share with us. Please respond with a comment and let us know.
As our friend distributed the candy canes to us, she pointed out that the shape of the candy cane is like the shepherd’s crook and the shepherd knew how to use the tool effectively to rescue the lost sheep.
Aren’t we all sometimes lost, searching our way through sometimes dark and fearful paths, looking for the light?
Jesus reminds us:
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me–Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father–and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11, 14-15
We have the Good Shepherd, Jesus, to protect us. He also reminds us to be vigilant in watching for danger. It’s important to be alert–to be watchful. Dangers lurk everywhere. The news around the world reminds us that anger, hatred, and violence have become an everyday occurrence. We fear for the future of our world, we worry about the safety of our families, and are anxious about the threats to our faith.
Our Lord recognized that we would be fearful about circumstances. He spoke to his disciples about the signs of the end times. He reminded them to be watchful.
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servant in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.” Mark 35:32-34
Why does Jesus want us to keep watch?
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back–whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!” Mark 13:35-37
The story Jesus is telling symbolizes His return. Our Lord is the Master. The servants represent the readers and hearers of the story (us).
One of the messages in this passage is that we are to be alert–we need to be on guard against deception (anyone or anything that would separate us from God’s purpose for us).
The opposite of being alert is being asleep or lethargic. Jesus is encouraging his followers to be spiritually engaged.
We need to live as if Jesus were to return at any moment.
Another important message from Mark’s Gospel is that we are to be engaged in our assigned tasks. So, even as we wait upon our Lord, we are called to serve Him, to be an active, working Christian.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:15
So…we are reminded to work for the Lord with all our heart and be alert for dangers. But, it is also important to be aware of our blessings–a beautiful sunrise, an unexpected hug from a grandchild, or the kindness of a neighbor.
Various sources offer multiple meanings for the symbolism of the Advent candles. As I read about this tradition, I found the meaning of the first candle to possibly be hope, forgiveness, and creation. All are of vital importance in our spiritual journey. You may have a different idea of the meaning of the candles–please share!
There are many actions we can do this Advent Season (and every day) to fulfill the tasks assigned to us as children of God. I pray that as we light the candles during this season of Advent that the Light of Jesus will shine through us and spread hope and love to all with whom we come in contact.
Praying for you, too, my friends!
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Katherine, thank you for the reminder to keep what is most important in the forefront of my mind during the upcoming busy season that can sometimes cause me to get distracted. Jesus Christ is my Shepherd, guiding me and watching over me, each and every moment. And, I also needed the reminder to be truly engaged! What encouraging words!
I’m right there with you, Julie! It is so busy during the holidays that it’s so easy to be distracted, anxious, and grumpy. I’m so thankful for the Good Shepherd that guides us through those rough pastures and for faithful friends that offer encouragement. Wishing you blessings during this season of hope and love.
Thanks for the reminder that while Jesus came the first time as a baby, He is coming again for judgment. I pray God will find me ready for His return, eagerly doing His will.
Joanna, Your prayer is just what we all need to be focusing on. Thank you for sharing those inspiring words. I pray that we all will seek that same relationship with our Lord–eagerly do His will and be ready when He returns for us. Wishing you a blessed Christmas!
What a gentle, and wonderful reminder Ms. Katherine. We must prepare our hearts to celebrate the reason for our hope. the source of our joy. God’s blessings this advent season, and beyond, my friend.
Beautifully expressed, my friend. It is the time to “celebrate the reason for our hope and the source of our joy.” I love this time of year!
Thanks for the history of the candy cane and the reminder to prepare our hearts this Christmas season.
“Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming. Clear the road for him.” (Luke 3:4)
Thank you for your wisdom and insight, Beckie. We all have a role in preparing the way, even now, don’t we? By being a good example, we can be a witness for Jesus–thus helping in His mission.
On Sunday, I sat with my granddaughter at church and helped her solve a word puzzle with the message “Be Ready” so I’ve already been thinking about the meaning of it as we enter the Advent season.
Your post further illuminates its significance. Thank you and blessings to you and yours!
It’s hard to “Get Ready!” when we’re so busy trying to get ready for Christmas. My devotion this morning spoke of Peace and reminded me that the only “true peace” is found in the presence of Jesus. That’s what I’m praying for each of us. Wishing you a blessed and peace filled Christmas, my friend.