NOVEMBER 28
IN HISTORY
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them.
LUKE 2:1-7
It happened. The story of Jesus Christ being born wasn’t a fairy tale or a myth or a legend. Luke makes sure his readers know that the birth of Jesus took place in our time, in our world. Augustus was Caesar, Quirinius was governor, and Jesus was born into a small town that can still be visited today. In fact, many churches have been built on top of the places where it is believed Jesus may have been born and traveled. This was done because in times of war churches typically were protected and they could be used to guard sacred sites. Thousands now visit these sites as a way to experience the places Jesus walked.
Luke reminds us through these historical details that God came into our story to redeem it. He came to set himself up as the true King. He came to bear all of our sin so that now and forever we could be in the presence of God and the history of Jesus becomes the history of us.
MATERIALS
- 5 candles – 3 purple, 1 pink, 1 white
- 5 candle holders
- greenery
- ribbon (optional)
- lighter
THE ADVENT WREATH
is a visible reminder of the coming light of Christ in your home. Each week light one more candle until Christmas Eve when you light the Christ candle.
The candles are to be lit in this order: November 27 – light the purple candle; December 4 – add the second purple candle; December 11 – add the pink candle; December 18 – add the third purple candle; December 24 – add the white candle in the center.
Most families light the candles each night when everyone is at home together and then extinguish the candles before bed. The Advent wreath sits on a table or bookshelf, not hung up on the door like the traditional wreath. Remember that you will be lighting the candles, so be careful where you place them. Arrange the purple and pink candles in the four points of a circle. Use the greenery to wrap around the candle circle feel free to get as decorative and elaborate as you like. Make this a yearly Advent tradition!