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