The days of observing Christmas Advent this year are as follows:
Sundays
Looking forward to Christmas Day
- November 27
- December 4
- December 11
- December 18
You will find much variation in the names and theme of the candles for each of the Sundays leading to Christmas, but usually the third one is reserved for the pink candle of  “Joy”. I think it is safe to say that your family may create the tradition meaningful to you.
I follow a theme based on customs which I researched that are common to Christians.
- The Candle of Hope … marking the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah.
- The Candle of Peace … denoting the coming reign of the Prince of Peace.
- The Candle of Joy … the joy that entered the world with the coming of the Christ.
- The Candle of Love … celebrating the revealed Love of the Father God in Christ Jesus.
You are free to use my devotions in your personal ways, taking them in whatever order to help you worship and celebrate the Savior during this holy season. Each year I determine a theme and follow a daily devotional schedule. This year will be one of the longer ones!
In 2016, beginning with November 27 until December 24th, it will be a time of preparation. Considering once again the circumstances that God chose for His Only Begotten Son to enter the timeline of history. Following the weekly themes of the candles we cycle through four of the fruits of the Spirit (hope ending in faith).
Other fruits of the Holy Spirit manifest in many of the topics that Advent presents, whether we simply read the Bible scriptures, or we add another ritual such as making a Jesse Tree for our observation of this season.
I hope that you, as I always have, find the discipline of reserving these moments of meditation on the things of God to be a buoy to your spirit and further anchor your soul in the peace and hope of the Lord.
Join me this year in making Christmas time a Christian holiday in your home.
