Meaning Behind the Bethlehem Candle in Advent Traditions

The Meaning Behind the Bethlehem Candle

As Christmas draws nearer, Christians partake in the tradition of lighting an Advent wreath each Sunday. The wreath holds four candles, each representing an important virtue or theme leading up to Jesus's birth.

The second candle lit during the Advent season is called the Bethlehem candle, also known as the "Candle of Preparation." This candle carries a powerful meaning for the faithful as they spiritually ready themselves for the Nativity.

The Significance of Bethlehem

Bethlehem was the humble town where Jesus was born. The name "Bethlehem" literally translates to "house of bread," representing how Christ came into the world to offer himself as spiritual nourishment.

Lighting the Bethlehem candle reminds us where our Savior entered Earth and that we too must prepare room for him in our hearts. It calls us to reflect on the significance of Christ's birthplace.

The Call to Faith

The Bethlehem candle is also known as the "Candle of Faith" since believing in God's promises took great faith during Advent. As Roman citizens were forced to travel to Bethlehem for a census, Joseph and the pregnant Mary had to endure an arduous journey.

Upon arriving, they could not find proper lodging and were forced to deliver baby Jesus in a lowly stable. However, the prophecy was fulfilled - the Messiah was born. The Bethlehem candle inspires us to have faith when life is difficult or uncertain.

Preparing Our Hearts for Peace

For some, the candle carries a meaning of peace. As we remember the Angels proclaiming "peace on earth and goodwill toward men," we are reminded that Christ came to reconcile us with God.

The Bethlehem candle calls us to quiet our hearts before Him. It is a time to let go of anxiety, anger, and pride to make room for the peace He alone can provide.

Activities for the Bethlehem Candle

Lighting this special Advent candle can be made more meaningful with activities to engage the family. Here are some ways to commemorate the lighting of the Bethlehem candle:

Sing or Listen to Songs About Bethlehem

Hymns that describe Bethlehem and Christ's birth there help set our minds on the true meaning. Some options could include "O Little Town of Bethlehem," "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," or "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Make it interactive by having someone play the music while others gather around the Advent wreath to sing.

Read the Nativity Story Together

Reading the account of Jesus coming to Bethlehem provides full context. Passages like Luke 2:1-20 or Matthew 1:18-2:23 reinforce why Christ was born there and the faith and preparation required. Discuss the hardships Mary and Joseph faced and what we can learn from their perseverance.

Craft a Nativity Scene

Get creative by having the family make a nativity scene together using materials like wood, clay, Legos, popsicle sticks, paper, or felt. Talk about the various figures—Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, wise men, animals—and their purpose at the birth of our Savior.

Pray for Faith and Peace

Conclude the lighting of the Bethlehem candle by praying as a family. Thank God for entering our world to redeem us. Ask Him for the faith to believe His promises when times get hard. Pray for peace in areas of life feeling chaotic or anxious. Let the candle serve as a visual reminder.

The Bethlehem Candle Sets Our Focus

Advent is a precious opportunity to spiritually realign and refocus. The lighting of the Bethlehem candle each week marks our journey toward celebrating Jesus's long-awaited birth.

As the soft glow fills the room, allow your soul to still. Remember the humble, little town that witnessed God's glory. Be filled with awe at His faithfulness to send a Savior. Prepare your heart to encounter Him. Let peace reign. Bethlehem reminds us of the lengths Christ went to dwell among us—calling us to ready ourselves for Emmanuel once more.

FAQs

What does the Bethlehem candle symbolize in Advent?

The Bethlehem candle, also called the Candle of Preparation or Candle of Faith, symbolizes our spiritual preparation for Christ's coming. It reminds us of the prophecy being fulfilled through Jesus's birth in the humble town of Bethlehem.

What biblical meaning does Bethlehem have?

Bethlehem means "house of bread" which foreshadowed Jesus coming into the world as the bread of life to nourish our souls. Christ was born in Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy and offer himself for salvation.

What passage describes Jesus's birth in Bethlehem?

The story of Joseph and pregnant Mary traveling to Bethlehem, finding no guest room, and delivering baby Jesus in a manger is found in Luke 2:1-7. This passage reminds us of the preparation to receive Christ.

What are some activities for the Bethlehem candle?

Activities to observe the lighting of the Bethlehem candle include: singing songs about Bethlehem, reading the Nativity narrative together, making a nativity craft, or praying for stronger faith and peace as a family.