Jesus, Our Light and Promise

The white “Christ Candle” of Advent

All Scriptures KJV (King James Version of the Bible)

The white Christ Candle is a powerful symbol of Jesus Christ as the Light of the World and His presence among His people. During the season of Advent, many churches light candles on an Advent wreath to mark the anticipation of Christ’s coming. The white candle, often called the Christ Candle, is usually placed in the center of the wreath to signify that Jesus is at the heart of all hope, peace, joy, and love. Its position in the center reminds believers that all the promises of God find their fulfillment in Christ. As John 8:12 declares, Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. This truth is reflected in the placement and color of the candle, shining purity and holiness that points to the sinless nature of Christ.

During Advent, the lighting of candles on a wreath marks the journey of anticipation leading to the birth of Jesus Christ. Four candles are traditionally used before the white Christ Candle, each representing a different aspect of the season. The first candle represents hope and reminds believers of God’s promises and the coming Messiah. The second candle symbolizes peace, reflecting the message of Isaiah 9:6, that Jesus would be called the Prince of Peace. The third candle, often pink, stands for joy, celebrating the gladness and anticipation of Christ’s arrival. The fourth candle represents love, pointing to God’s greatest gift to the world in sending His Son.

The white Christ Candle, placed in the center of the wreath, embodies the fulfillment of these promises and the culmination of the Advent season. It represents Jesus Christ as the Light of the World and His purity, holiness, and eternal presence. Its central position reminds believers that all hope, peace, joy, and love find their source in Him. Isaiah 9:6 affirms, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

As the white candle is to be lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, the Christ Candle calls attention to the realization of God’s promises and the birth of the Savior. Colossians 1:17 reminds us, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Revelation 22:5 declares, And there shall be no night there; they need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. The white candle’s flame is a visible reminder of Jesus’ eternal light overcoming darkness, and it points all hearts to the central truth of the Christian faith: Christ is the hope, peace, joy, and love that sustains and unites His people.

Through the use of the white Christ Candle, churches invite all who see it to reflect on the gift of Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the central place of Christ in the life of every believer. It is both a devotional practice and a proclamation of faith, a reminder that the world’s greatest hope and light are found in Him.

Heavenly Father, we long for the return of your Son, when we will no longer need the sun for light because he will be the light. We long for the true hope, peace, joy and love that only He can give.

Heavenly Father, we long for the return of Your Son, when the earth will be filled with His glory, and we will no longer need the sun for light because He Himself will be our everlasting Light. We long for the true hope that steadies our hearts, the peace that surpasses all understanding, the joy that lifts our spirits, and the love that never fails—gifts that come only through Him. We yearn for the day when every tear will be wiped away, every sorrow undone, and every heart fully reconciled to You. Let us live in eager expectation, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and let our lives reflect His light as we await that wondrous day. May every heart be ready to welcome Him, every soul prepared to rejoice in His presence. Lord, prepare our hearts to welcome Him, and strengthen us to live faithfully as we await His coming. And we echo the prayer of the saints, saying, Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20.

Grace ~ DLM's avatar

By Grace ~ DLM

Jesus is first in my life, and as a result, my existence in this world is bearable; I want nothing less than every day of my life to bring Him glory. I'm continuously watching and praying for Him to come again. “I desire to share the Kingdom of God with anyone who will listen (Matthew 28:19–20), because time is short and Jesus will call His people home before the coming Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; 1 Corinthians 15:51–52; Revelation 3:10). I cherish the beauty of the world He created for us (Genesis 1:31; Psalm 19:1), and though Scripture tells us that this present earth will one day pass away and be renewed (2 Peter 3:10–13; Revelation 21:1), I want to honor His creation and care for it well until He calls us to meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).” I love people, animals, birds, trees (I'm a tree hugger), flowers (roses are my favorite), the snow, the rain, the wind, and the sunshine. I realize how blessed I am to live now and be born in a country that allows freedom of speech and religion! Free to share my thoughts and illumination. I also realize that there are consequences to everything I share with you, so I'll always ask God's wisdom while writing and before I publish. ALL questions are welcome! I can't promise I'll be able to give you the answer you want, but I'll answer honestly and with scriptures from the Bible. I use many different Bible translations as my resources. The NIV, NKJV, the KJV, and the HCSB are a few.

Leave a comment