This month we’ve been learning about the four weeks of advent and the terms of each week. The traditions of the advent wreath and the lighting of candles is an old tradition that many still celebrate. 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 spending the next few weeks sharing about each one. Some list peace as the second candle. However, our second candle represented faith. The first candle stands for hope, and the third week was joy. Therefore, we will be focusing on peace this week.

Four weeks of Advent

Advent is a term 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 four weeks of advent

The advent wreath and advent season being a pre-Christmas celebration, started in the 1800s in Germany. Likewise, immigrants from Germany brought the tradition to America in the 20th century. It traditionally contained four candles. Three are purple, and one is pink.

Advent four candles meaning

The four weeks of Advent and the candles sometimes have different descriptions. 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. Therefore, since Little Pot is a fruit-bearing vessel like us, we will examine these words about the advent season. Consequently, each week we will discuss a different candle.

• Week One – Hope
• Week Two – Faith
• Week Three – Joy
• Week Four – Peace
• Christmas Week – Love

The third candle – Peace

This week’s candle is purple and stands for peace. We read about Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah in the first week. In those verses, Isaiah refers to Jesus as “the prince of peace.”

Peace is also listed within the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit. The peace that comes to us from the Spirit is not dependent on our circumstances. It is an inward peace that exists amongst the turmoil.

What is biblical peace or the peace of God?

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul gives some final advice to the church in Philippi. He tells them not to be anxious about things. Instead, pray and ask God with a thankful heart. In doing so, the peace of God will fill you. Likewise, this peace is stronger than our understanding of our situations. Therefore, biblical peace is a state of mind. For example, the Greek word for peace is eirén, which means “one, quietness, or rest.” The root word eiró means “to join,” as in a state of harmony and connection.

Biblical peace is when we rest in the Lord, joining in His purpose. It is a part of His spirit that grows through us when we pray with a thankful heart.

Prayer for Advent Wreath

Dear Lord,

You give peace that passes all understanding. Thank you. for coming to earth and saving people from their sins. You are called the Prince of Peace on that first Christmas because we cannot find peace without you. Oh, how your people must have anticipated the advent of your first coming with great joy.

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.

You promise to come again. I have peace knowing that you will return and reign forever. I anticipate the advent of your second coming, too. Continue to grow peace through me and free me from worry.

Amen

How God produces the fruit of the Spirit

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

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