This week we will focus on peace, which is represented by the Angels candle. We will ponder the contrast between the world’s version of peace as represented in Ecclesiastes with God’s kind of peace.

This week we will focus on peace, which is represented by the Angels candle. We will ponder the contrast between the world’s version of peace as represented in Ecclesiastes with God’s kind of peace.

Our focus this week is on joy, which is represented by the Shepherd candle. We will contemplate the difference between the type of joy offered by this world as illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the type of joy that is available in Jesus.

Our focus this week is on joy, which is represented by the Shepherd candle. We will contemplate the difference between the type of joy offered by this world as illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the type of joy that is available in Jesus.

Our focus this week is on joy, which is represented by the Shepherd candle. We will contemplate the difference between the type of joy offered by this world as illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the type of joy that is available in Jesus.

Our focus this week is on joy, which is represented by the Shepherd candle. We will contemplate the difference between the type of joy offered by this world as illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the type of joy that is available in Jesus.

Our focus this week is on love, which is represented by the Bethlehem candle. We will consider the difference between the limited, this-worldly love illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the limitless, eternal love that was poured out at Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

Our focus this week is on love, which is represented by the Bethlehem candle. We will consider the difference between the limited, this-worldly love illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the limitless, eternal love that was poured out at Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

Our focus this week is on love, which is represented by the Bethlehem candle. We will consider the difference between the limited, this-worldly love illustrated in Ecclesiastes and the limitless, eternal love that was poured out at Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

The traditional symbolism of the four Advent candles provides the frame for this Advent sermon series. Each of the candles is named for one element in the Christmas story, and represents one Christian virtue: 1) Prophets candle = Hope, 2) Bethlehem candle = Love, 3) Shepherds candle = Joy, and 4) Angels candle = Peace. The unbelieving world values these same virtues, but interprets them quite differently. These sermons will first examine each of these qualities from the world’s point of view as depicted in the book of Ecclesiastes, and then compare that perspective to the Gospel understanding of the same attribute.