RANGERS—CHRISTMAS IS UPON US
Rangers—Christmas is upon us. During the Christmas Season, many churches and even some individual families celebrate with an Advent wreath. Advent is a 4-week season dedicated to reflective preparation for the arrival, or "advent" of Jesus Christ's Nativity at Christmas. During this important event on the church calendar, each week of Advent focuses on a different theme - hope, peace, joy, and love. Christians from all denominations and backgrounds celebrate Advent in different ways but all focus on the anticipation of waiting for the arrival of Jesus. Normally, the Advent wreath is created out of evergreens that symbolize everlasting life amid winter and death. The circular shape reminds us of God’s unending love and the eternal life He makes possible. Advent candles are usually nestled within the evergreen wreath.
The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, also King David's birthplace. The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace—He brought people closer to God and each other again. The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day.
The Advent Season is a time for both thanksgiving and prayer. If you are interested in praying specifically for things that matter, please consider praying through the following list during the remainder of this Advent Season.
What Should I Pray for During Advent?
1. Pray for attentiveness to what truly matters without being distracted by trivial things.
2. Pray for opportunities to learn something new regularly.
3. Pray for discernment of how God would like you to set your priorities and the ability to focus on them consistently to fulfill His purposes in your life.
4. Pray for the grace to be able to rest, become aware of God's presence, and enjoy it.
5. Pray for freedom from all that burdens you - past mistakes, fears, destructive habits, pain that others have inflicted, and more.
6. Pray for joy and a sense of humor.
7. Pray for a clear mind and the ability to communicate with others clearly.
8. Pray for a genuine awareness of God's grace in your life and the humility to extend grace to others.
9. Pray for your Ranger buddies both at home and those deployed.
10. Pray for the discipline to live up to standards espoused by the Ranger Creed daily.
Merry Christmas!
Rangers Lead the Way!
Dan Knight