The Revd Steve Sheridan, the vicar of Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has composed a poem for Advent about the symbolism of the Advent candles. The traditional themes for each include the Prophets' Candle, symbolizing hope; the Bethlehem Candle, symbolizing faith; the Shepherds' Candle, symbolizing joy; and the Angel's Candle, symbolizing peace.
The Advent Wreath
First flame alight to bring us hope.
Flickering on this advent wreath.
Lighting the dark in which we grope,
Leading us on to new belief.
Faith is the theme of candle two,
Urging us on to Bethlehem!
A child is born; the dawn breaks through,
While angels sing. Let's join with them
In ringing out the sound of joy.
This is the theme of advent three,
As shepherd's wonder at this boy;
One born to set the nations free.
We then light candle number four,
This flame our prayer for lasting peace,
That by the love which this child brings,
All war and conflict might yet cease.
There is one candle left to light,
As we begin our Christmas Day.
It is that one of dazzling white,
Hope, faith, joy, peace be yours I pray.
The Revd Steve Sheridan
The power of poetry
Earlier this year as the nation was dramatically plunged into the first lockdown, the Revd Alec Brown and two other members of clergy held a conversation via Zoom to explore poetry’s appeal and power at a time of crisis. Listen again to their conversation.