Adore - the Teen Girl's Guide to AdventSample

The Bethlehem Candle

The second candle of the Advent is called the “Bethlehem Candle.” It symbolizes faith.

After Mary got the special word that she was soon going to be the virgin mother of the Messiah through supernatural means, Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, found out that Mary was pregnant! Not understanding the circumstances, he was very angry at Mary, but he still didn't want her to be publicly humiliated for her “infidelity.” He decided to break up with her quietly. As he was figuring out how to do it, an angel visited him while he was asleep.

The angel explained the circumstances to Joseph. He told Joseph that Mary was innocent and that the baby was from God Himself. Joseph received the message and believed it. He knew in his heart that Mary had done nothing wrong. Instead of breaking up with her, he decided to marry her. Joseph had the faith to do what many people would be unable to do! He didn’t humiliate his fiancé, or become jealous and angry at her. He protected her and baby Jesus.

Soon after, Joseph and Mary were required to travel to their hometown of Bethlehem for a census. That's why we light the Bethlehem candle during Advent. It reminds us of the extraordinary faith of Joseph and Mary and commemorates the travel to Bethlehem.

It would soon be the birthplace of the Messiah.