Last week we made a connection between the Christmas tree and the family tree of Jesus. Another Christmas tradition is the Christmas wreath, originally hung on the branches of the tree before it became a separate decoration. It represented divine perfection, and symbolized eternity, because its shape has no beginning nor end. Also, the wreath was made of evergreen trees that were able to survive the harshness of winter, again symbolizing eternal life.
Eventually, Christians began to place candles on the wreath during Advent to symbolize the light that Jesus brought into the world. A total of four candles were placed on the wreath, one for each of the four weeks of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The first three weeks feature purple candles, representing the Christian values of hope, peace, and love. The fourth and final candle is usually red, and symbolizes the joy of a new life, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, and the shedding of His blood.
Just like the Christmas wreath represents divine perfection, Jesus the Son of God is the personification of divine perfection. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit of God, and born of the virgin Mary, and thereby avoided the sinful nature of man passed down from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He also lived a perfect life, as He was never guilty of committing any sin in His entire life here on this earth. Therefore, He was the perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for the sins of all the people of the world.
Just like the Christmas wreath symbolizes eternity and eternal life, Jesus is eternal, and gives eternal life to those who invite Him into their lives as Savior and Lord of their lives. John 1:1 tells us that He was in the begin-ning with God, and that He had part in the Creation of the world. Like the purple candles in the Christmas wreath, Jesus gives hope, peace, and love to the world. Like the red candle on the Christmas wreath, Jesus gives the joy of a new life to those who accept His sacrifice on the Cross.
The hope that Jesus gives is the hope that one day He will return to gather believers out of the earth to take them to their eternal home in heaven. The peace that Jesus gives is a peace that we are able to enjoy a right relationship with God because our sins have been forgiven. The love that Jesus gives is a love like He had for us, and that He pours into our hearts through His Holy Spirit.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. He may be contacted at lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com
