The season of Advent, this period of spiritual preparation before Christmas, is based on four major pillars: hope, peace, joy and love. Each of these pillars is symbolised by a candle lit each Sunday in Advent, illuminating the wreath and guiding believers towards the feast of Christmas. These essential values embody a spiritual and human journey, offering deep reflection on the meaning of life and how to fully welcome the birth of Christ. Here is a detailed exploration of the four pillars that give profound meaning to this time of year
.Hope: the guiding light
Hope is the first pillar of Advent. Represented by the first candle to be lit, it symbolises believers' patient and trusting wait for the coming of the Saviour. Hope, in the Christian faith, is more than a simple wish or expectation; it is a solid trust in God's promise. This pillar invites everyone to keep an inner light, even in dark times, and to see beyond immediate difficulties.
This hope is universal and timeless. It reminds us that despite life's uncertainties, we can find meaning and purpose by placing our trust in a higher power, in a future where justice and peace reign. In this sense, the hope of Advent encourages us to believe in renewal, to see in every person and every situation the potential for transformation.
Peace: a commitment to harmony
The second pillar of Advent is peace, represented by the second candle in the wreath. This peace is a call to reconciliation, serenity and benevolence. In the context of Advent, peace means more than a simple absence of conflict; it represents a profound harmony, an inner state of balance and tranquillity that is reflected in our relationships with others.
The peace of Advent invites reconciliation, both with oneself and with others. It encourages believers to free themselves from tensions and grudges, and to seek solutions for living in harmony with those around them. It is also a call to be peacemakers in the world, advocating tolerance, respect and compassion in all interactions. It is an invitation to build bridges, to heal wounds and to bring peace where it is needed.
Joy: a deep and shared rejoicing
The third Advent candle represents joy, a pillar that invites everyone to open up to the celebration of life and to wonder. The joy of Advent is a spiritual joy, which goes beyond material pleasures or personal success. It is rooted in gratitude and love, and stems from the certainty that God is with us.
Advent joy reminds us that this time of year is a special time to appreciate life's small blessings. It encourages us to see the world with childlike eyes, to rediscover our innocence and capacity for wonder in the face of simple things. This pillar is an invitation to share sincere moments with those we love, to rejoice together and to spread happiness around us. The joy of Advent is contagious and calls every believer to be a bearer of happiness, to brighten the daily lives of others through gestures of generosity and kindness.
Love: The essence of Advent
The fourth and final pillar of Advent is love, symbolised by the last candle lit, just before Christmas. This love is the foundation of the entire Christian message of Christmas. The birth of Jesus is a pure manifestation of divine love for humanity. The love of Advent is an unconditional love, a love without limits, that accepts and welcomes everyone without judgement.
This pillar invites us to express this love in our everyday actions. It reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a commitment, a choice we make for the good of others. This love is shown through kindness, listening, forgiveness and acceptance. Advent love urges us to look beyond our differences, to reach out to those in need, and to live our humanity to the full. It's a call to build genuine relationships and to see each person as worthy of love and respect. Advent love is also an invitation to love without expecting something in return, to give of ourselves unselfishly. It is a source of comfort for those in need, a strength that helps us to forgive and move forward. This pillar reminds us that the very essence of Christmas is love, and that every act of kindness, every smile and every act of generosity is a way of showing that love in the world.
The four great pillars of Advent - hope, peace, joy and love - constitute a spiritual journey that prepares the hearts of believers to welcome Christmas in all its depth. Each of these values is a call to live more consciously, more generously and more openly to others. These pillars are not just symbols; they are invitations to transform our daily lives, nourish our faith and cultivate relationships marked by kindness and respect.
By integrating these pillars into our lives, we can make Advent a true time of renewal, a time when we draw closer to what is essential. These values are not limited to believers; they can inspire everyone, whatever their convictions, to live in a spirit of sharing, gratitude and kindness. The Advent season, through these four pillars, calls us to become bearers of light, ready to celebrate Christmas with a heart filled with hope, peace, joy and love.
