Shared by Sandy Diaz

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ­

– Luke 2:11 (NKJV)

The advent season is upon us. A time in which many Christians celebrate it by lighting candles on the “advent wreath.” The wreath has it significance beginning with the circular shape… “one without a beginning or end symbolizes God’s complete and unending love for us.” The candles placed on it during the Sundays before Christmas bring us closer to the arrival of Christ, the light of the world. Each represents something that we as individuals, communities and the world search for; 1^st candle PEACE, 2^nd HOPE, 3^rd JOY, 4^th LOVE and finally the CHRIST.

Recently I walked past a group of parents and children holding hands in a circle. I smiled as I thought of things they perhaps were talking about. It made me think of the many ways we create circles, such as children sitting on a rug listening to a story; people holding hands in prayer; people square dancing; a family having dinner and a group of people holding a meeting. Just like the advent wreath, they reflect unity on some level; each has an expectation.

During advent, we too are in expectancy; we hope for peace, we seek love through the gift of the savior and we experience joy in His arrival. Next time I sit in a circle, I will try and remember its significance; I will work for peace, hope for love and joy, and try and let Christ be the center of it.

May the Christ reign in our hearts this advent season.