Advent Candles
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
The second advent candle is called the Bethlehem candle. This candle stands for the peace that Jesus brought and continues to bring to us. We read in Micah about the prophecy that corresponds to Bethlehem and the bringer of peace that was to be born there.
“‘But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.’ Therefore He shall give them up, Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; Then the remnant of His brethren Shall return to the children of Israel.
And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the Lord,In the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;
And this One shall be peace.” (Micah 5:2-5)
If we look at the physical life of Jesus, we wouldn’t come away thinking this was the Prince of Peace who was prophesied by Isaiah. He was actively sought out by the religious leaders to be put to death and was crucified on a cross. However, it was through these unpeaceful acts that Jesus accomplished bringing His peace to the world. Mankind was at war with God because of our sinfulness, but by His sacrifice on the cross Jesus ended that war and brought peace between mankind and God. Jesus is our peace. When we light the Bethlehem candle, we can remember the peace that Jesus freely gives us through faith in Him. Peace that surpasses all understanding that keeps our hearts and minds in Him as our Lord and Savior.
In peace and joy I now depart At God's disposing;
For full of comfort is my heart; Soft reposing.
So the Lord hath promised me,
And death for me is but a slumber.
The Lutheran Hymnal 137:1