Let us remember Jesus’s birth and share His saving grace through the good news of Christmas

The theme of “waiting” is very evident in Advent. In fact, waiting is part and parcel of our daily living. For example, students wait for their results to be released; others wait for their medical examination reports; bakers wait for their dough to ferment; people wait for the new year to dawn, etc.

In Old Testament times, the Israelites were taken into exile, they waited 70 years before they could return to their homeland to rebuild their homes and the Temple. When the Israelites learned of the prophecies about Messiah’s coming, they waited for His coming each year with renewed hope.

In the third week, a pink candle is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ’s coming and joy.

During the Advent season, some churches will light a new candle each week as an expression of their waiting for Christ’s return.

• In the first week, a purple candle is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ’s coming and hope.
• In the second week, another purple candle is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ’s coming and peace.
• In the third week, a pink candle is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ’s coming and joy.
• In the fourth week, another purple candle is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ’s coming and love.
• In the fifth week, a large white candle placed in the center is lighted, symbolising the light of Christ has come.

In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus shared that five of the virgins went out to meet the bridegroom without taking any oil along with their lamps, i.e., they were unprepared. As a result, they missed their goal of meeting the bridegroom. May this parable be a timely reminder for us – do not be unprepared and do not wait until the last minute, otherwise, we will end up empty-handed.

Dear brothers and sisters, this Christmas, let us remember Jesus’s birth and share His saving grace through the good news of Christmas. Let us live life with hope, peace, joy, and love until Christ Jesus returns.