The Sovereign Love of God

T he C oming of C hrist

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• The first candle is the Anticipation candle which remembers the prophecies made about the Messiah who was to come. • The second candle is the Annunciation (i.e. announcement) candle which remembers the an­ nouncement made by Gabriel to Mary and by the angels to the shepherds. • The third candle is the Affirmation candle which recognizes that by sending the Messiah, God has affirmed and fulfilled the promises that he made to humanity. • The center white candle, called the Christ Candle, is lit on Christmas Day – “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! Let us all with one voice join together with Charles Wesley (1744) and Rowland Hugh Prichard (1855) in singing: Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child and yet a King. Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne. • The fourth candle is the Arrival candle which celebrates the birth of Christ.

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