Day 42 - The Wreath of Peace Across Cultures

One of my favourite symbols of Advent is the wreath of candles at the front of our church, reminding us that Advent is a season of waiting, longing, and preparation.

Its history is rooted in 19th century Germany, when Johann Hinrich Wichern, a Lutheran pastor, created a wooden wheel with candles to help children count down the days to Christmas. Over time, this practice was simplified into the five candle wreath we know today, with one candle lit on each Sunday of Advent. The evergreen branches symbolise eternal life. The four outer candles represent hope, peace, love, and joy. The candle in the centre is the Christ candle - lit on Christmas Day. Today, Christians around the world light Advent candles, each flame carrying its own cultural expression, yet shining with the same hope. Whether placed on a family table, in a village church, or in a bustling city congregation, the wreath is a shared language of faith. Its meaning may be shaped by local culture, yet its message is universal: Christ, the Light of the world, is coming.

The Advent wreath teaches us much about peace. The gradual illumination mirrors the way God’s peace enters our lives — not always suddenly, but steadily, faithfully, transforming hearts and communities. God’s peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the fullness of life lived in harmony with Him and with one another. It is wholeness, justice, and reconciliation for all creation.

Different cultures express this peace in different ways. In Germany, the quiet lighting of candles on a wreath is accompanied by hymns and prayers. In Latin America, Advent peace is celebrated through Las Posadas, with processions and hospitality that echo Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. In Africa, drums and songs proclaim joy and expectation, reminding us that peace can be vibrant and communal. In our own church, carols sung by candlelight bring our community together in worship. Each culture brings its own gifts, yet all point to the same truth: God’s peace is for every people, every language, every tradition.

As we light our Advent wreaths this season, we join with Christians across the world who do the same in their own ways. Each flame is unique, yet together they shine with one light — the light of Christ. This is the cultural richness of Advent, and this is its peace: many voices, one song; many traditions, one hope; many cultures, one Christ. May we, in our own settings, become bearers of that peace, preparing the way for the Prince of Peace who has come and who will come again.

Let’s start our day with a prayer:

God of light and peace,

As we reflect on the Advent wreath, we pray for Christians all around the world who light candles in hope.

May each flame remind us of Your promise: peace for all creation, reconciliation among peoples, and joy in Christ’s coming.

Unite us in love as we await the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Debbie Wilson