As we explore the 4 weeks of advent and the wreath used to celebrate, we discover a candle to represent faith. The traditions of the advent wreath and the lightening of candles is an old tradition that many still practice. Because each week symbolizes a term that is also a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Little Pot (a fruit-bearing vessel created by the potter) is sharing about each one. You can read about the first week and the candle of hope here. Likewise, Little Pot shares how the Potter grows fruit through it, and how your creator produces the fruit of the Spirit through you. You can learn those steps by adding your email and first name here.

What is Advent?

Advent is a term that comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. The dictionary defines advent as “the coming of a notable person or event.” Originally advent was thought by Christians to anticipate Christ’s second coming, not the first when he was born on Christmas.

The history behind the 4 weeks of advent

The advent wreath and advent season is a pre-Christmas celebration. It started in the 1800s in Germany. Immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contains three purple candles, one pink candle, and a fifth white candle that is lit Christmas Day.

Advent four candles meaning

There are a few different descriptions of the four candles and what each stands for. Some list them as hope, peace, joy, then love. Another listed hope, peace, and then love before joy. Likewise, a third description of the candles was hope, faith, joy, then peace. Each word references a part of the Christmas story. In addition, these same words are included in the fruit of the Spirit.

• Hope – purple candle 1
• Faith – purple candle 2
• Joy – purple candle 3
• Peace – pink candle
• Love – white candle lit on Christmas Day

The second candle – FAITH

During the second week of the advent season, two purple candles burn. This second candle stands for faith. The prophets of the Old Testament foretold of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 promises that a child will be born who will be the savior of the world. The people held to this hope. However, biblical hope requires us to have immense faith. The characters within the Christmas story had that faith. It amazes me when I think of Mary and Joseph accepting what the angel of the Lord told them. Traveling to Bethlehem while she was pregnant took great faith too.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Mary’s response to the Angel when she hears she is pregnant. Her response is, “Let it be to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38). I have this verse hanging on a small plaque because I want to respond to anything the Lord asks of me with the same faith Mary had.

Biblical faith is required if we are to grow the faithfulness within the fruit of the Spirit. God is faithful in His promises, and He wants us to be faithful to Him. The Christmas story demonstrates His faithfulness to us. Likewise, it shows us how much of our faithfulness is required to serve him.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You are so faithful! Thank you for coming to earth and saving people from their sins. Coming to earth as a baby on that first Christmas so that you could one day die on a cross amazes me. Oh, how Mary and Joseph must have anticipated the advent of your first coming.

Because you came and died for our sins, you now promise to come and live inside each of us. Thank you for filling me with your Holy Spirit and growing hope, faith, joy, peace, and love through me. I believe in you and anticipate the advent of your daily presence in my life.

I also know that you promise to come again. You are faithful to one day return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow your faithfulness through me.

Amen

4 weeks of Advent and the fruit of the Spirit

The story of The Little Pot is about a potter growing fruit through the vessel he made. Our creator wants to grow the fruit of His Spirit through us too. Producing love, joy, peace, faith, and hope is all a part of understanding the 4 weeks of Advent. (Galatians 5:22-23).

If you want to learn more about growing the fruit of the Spirit and discover how Little Pot becomes a fruit-bearing vessel, sign up below. In addition, you will be added to our email list, and each Friday, you will receive a short, fruitful email. I hope you will join me.

The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Little Pot Rhyme Board book are also available on Amazon.

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