We Light a Candle of Love (Second Sunday of Advent)
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At Mildmay, we reflect on the idea of ‘waiting’, of preparing for the great feast of Christmas. Waiting is active love: preparing, serving, and making space for Christ.
The one who reminds us is John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus whose mother Elizabeth recognised Jesus, as the one for whom we wait. In Isaiah 40:3-5, hundreds of years before, there is “a voice in the wilderness urging us to prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God”.
Advent teaches us to wait actively - clearing a path for love to move. John the Baptist calls us to practical preparation: straightening what has become crooked, softening what has hardened, restoring what has been broken.
At Mildmay, love is tangible: listening without hurry, showing up, doing small things with consistency. As we light the second candle, we commit to the kind of love that prepares the way: patient, truthful, and brave.
The Advent wreath
The Advent wreath is made from evergreen leaves which stand for eternity, God’s eternal love for us. The circular shape of the wreath, a circle without beginning or end, stands for eternity, also.
The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent. Purple is the liturgical colour of Advent and pink is a special colour that may be used on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday. ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4-5)). A fifth white candle may be added in the centre of the wreath. It is lit on Christmas Eve to mark the coming of Christ the Light.
The meaning of Advent
Advent is the Christian countdown to Christmas, shaped by four Sundays, each with a distinct theme and candle on the wreath. It’s both reflective and practical: a season to realign values, deepen compassion, and ready home and community for the feast.
Week by week
Week 1: Hope (Prophecy): The first candle, often called the Prophet’s candle, points to the promise of a coming light in dark times. Readings emphasise watchfulness and the long arc of justice.
Week 2: Peace (Bethlehem): The second candle recalls the journey to Bethlehem. It invites humility, making room for others, and setting aside contention—peace begins at the threshold.
Week 3: Joy (Gaudete): The rose candle breaks in mid-season with rejoicing. Joy here isn’t denial of hardship; it’s resilience, community, and gratitude blossoming despite it.
Week 4: Love (Shepherds): The final candle focuses on love embodied—hospitality, care for the marginalised, and readiness to welcome. It gathers the season’s practices into a tender, active attentiveness.
Readings and practice
Wreath and candles: Each week adds light, symbolising hope growing toward Christmas.
Readings and music: Scriptures and hymns evolve from longing to celebration, guiding prayer and community action.
Customs in the UK: Services, carols, charity drives, and quiet preparation at home - many churches shape Advent around local needs, from food banks to winter shelters.
Purpose
Advent is a four-part rhythm to cultivate hope, peace, joy, and love in tangible ways - checking on neighbours, committing to justice, giving generously, and making space for grace. As the candles brighten, the season invites us to brighten the world.
Cover image: Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
