This recording is a recording of the meaning of the Advent Wreath used during the season of Advent.

To hear the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 7, 2025, go to our YouTube Channel.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12  

The Prophecy Candle is the 1st candle lit the first week in Advent.  It is symbolic of the long years of waiting during which the prophets, inspired of God, kept alive the hope that the Son of God was coming to redeem His people from their sins.

The Bethlehem Candle is the 2nd candle lit.  It symbolizes the peace that comes to sinners and the preparations God made for the coming of the world's Savior. The prophecy in Micah 5:2 that foretold Jesus' birthplace at Bethlehem may seem to be a minor revelation, but it shows how God prepared even the least detail for the coming of Christ.

The Shepherds' Candle is the 3rd candle lit and reminds us of our responsibility to share the Savior and His promises. The shepherds left their task and went with haste to see the Christ-child; then they returned to joyfully tell others about the good news of the Savior.

The Angels' Candle is lit the 4th week of Advent.  It reminds us of the activity of the angels before and after Jesus' birth, bearing messages, ministering, protecting, praising; they will be with Jesus at His final coming on Judgment Day, to gather the nations.

The Christ Candle is the white candle in the center, and is lit on Christmas Eve. It signals that He Who is the Light of the world has been born.

The light these candles put forth seems small;  so does the gospel at times.  But to those in lonely darkness, it is the powerful light which shows the way to Heaven.