Full Reading: Luke 1:26-38

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

And then the angel left her.

Luke 1:35, 38 NLT

When I was an exchange student in Germany during my senior year of high school, my first experience with German Christmas involved lots of candles. Wooden whirligig decorations displayed in store windows held a single candle in the center; the candle’s heat caused the blades to spin. Sometimes, the figures moved with it. Candles flickering in windows welcomed guests, bringing with them a sense of warmth and hope. There were even candles on Christmas trees, which went up on Christmas Eve for their debut on Christmas morning. The excitement of anticipating Christmas morning swelled in our hearts, filling us with joyful expectation.

These candles made me think of Mary, working in her family’s home by the light from her oil lamp. When the angel Gabriel suddenly appeared to her, I imagine his radiance filled the room abundantly more than that tiny flame. Mary knew one day the Messiah would come; the Jews anticipated His coming in hope that He would deliver them from the Roman occupation. Yet, no one knew when or how. But this Messenger from God told this young woman the Messiah would come as an infant through her. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, He would be sinless. Mary was overwhelmed, yet willing to accept the joys, responsibilities, and scorn that would come with bringing Jesus into this world. “Let it be as you have said.” A flickering flame illuminated the room softly again, symbolizing divine promise that will soon be fulfilled. What a moment to serve God by giving birth to the King of Kings—Hope.

As we light our candles and decorate with lights, consider specific ways to prepare your heart through prayer, reflection, and service, so you are ready for His coming again. May we anticipate Jesus as we light our first candle.