Christ - Season of Advent

Many Advent wreaths include a fifth candle right in the centre, usually a white one. This is called the Christ Candle, and it’s lit on Christmas Day.

After four weeks of preparing our hearts through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, we finally light that centre candle to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And that’s fitting, because this candle represents Christ Himself—the reason we’ve been waiting, the reason for the season.

Jesus is the fulfillment of our hope. He’s the source of true peace. He’s the reason real joy is possible. And He’s the greatest expression of God’s love. Every Advent theme ultimately points back to Him.

The Christ Candle

Colossians 1:18 tells us that Christ is to have first place in everything. The Christ Candle in the center of the wreath is a visual reminder of that truth. Jesus isn’t just part of Christmas—He is the centre of Christmas, the centre of our faith and the centre of our lives too.

While, some people see Advent traditions as optional - nice, but not all that important - these four messages actually serve a powerful purpose.

Let’s be honest: Christmas can easily turn into a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, parties, and stress. We get so busy getting ready that we forget what—or who—we’re preparing for. Advent helps slow us down and gently refocus our hearts on Christ.

Each Advent theme speaks to a deep need we all have.

We need hope in a world full of disappointment. We need peace in a world full of conflict. We need joy in a world marked by sorrow. And we need love in a world that often feels harsh and selfish.

And the truth is, only Jesus can meet those needs.

Advent reminds us that Jesus didn’t come randomly—He came to meet us right where we are. He is our hope, our peace, our joy, and the clearest proof of God’s love. And these aren’t just ideas to think about once a year. They’re truths that should shape how we live.

• When your hope is in Christ, you can face uncertainty without fear.

• When you have peace with God, you can let go of bitterness and conflict.

• When your joy is rooted in salvation, you can endure hard seasons without giving up.

• And when you truly know God’s love, you are able to love others in meaningful, sacrificial ways.

So this Christmas, don’t let the busyness and commercialism steal the real celebration. As you watch the Christ candle burning in the center of all the other candles, remember that Christ is central. He is the reason for Christmas. He is the one who brings true Hope, Peace, Joy and Love for us all. And so let us draw near to him to worship, to praise, to follow and believe. O come let us adore Him, Christ the King. Today. And every day.

Happy Christmas! And a blessed New Year.