I remember the storm. The power was out. The rain was beating against the windows. Gusts of wind howled fiercely. As darkness fell, we huddled together under blankets for warmth. One little candle flickered bravely on the table. It was amazing how much light shone forth from that one little wick. As we focused on the light, the darkness was dispelled. There was hope.

In this Advent season we light our candles. In the darkness of our sinful selves and our fallen world, these little candles remind us of God’s light. He is the one who will banish the darkness. And so, each week during Advent we light one more candle. We watch for Messiah as we draw closer to the coming of Christ at Christmas. You may be familiar with this little Advent hymn.

     “Light one candle to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
     He shall bring salvation to Israel, God fulfills the promise.

     “Light two candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
     He shall feed the flock like a shepherd, gently lead them homeward.

     “Light three candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
     Lift your heads and lift high the gateway for the King of glory.

     “Light four candles to watch for Messiah: let the light banish darkness.
      He is coming, tell the glad tidings. Let your lights be shining!”*

We light our candles in HOPE – our God will bring us salvation.
In LOVE – He will lead us home like a shepherd.
In JOY – we make way for the King of Glory!
In PEACE – for the glad tidings, He IS COMING!

As we celebrate this season, lighting candles in our homes, let’s pause with the thought that we too are “watching for Messiah.” He comes with his unconditional love – love for me and love for YOU.

Judy (originally posted 12/10/2018)

*Text Wayne L. Wold
Music Yiddish folk tune.