On November 30, 2025, Christians worldwide will gather to observe the First Sunday of Advent, lighting the Prophecy Candle Advent tradition begins. This purple candle, also known as the Hope Candle or Prophet’s Candle, marks the beginning of a sacred four-week journey preparing hearts for Christmas.
For Mattese Lecque, retired Major with the United States Army Reserves and woman of deep faith, the Prophecy Candle Advent holds special significance. Her book “You Can’t Make Me Doubt Him” reveals unwavering belief in God’s promises the same faith that sustained Old Testament prophets who foretold the Messiah’s coming centuries before His birth.
Through Mattese’s perspective, the Prophecy Candle Advent becomes more than liturgical tradition it transforms into powerful reminder that God faithfully fulfills every promise, no matter how long the wait.
Understanding the Prophecy Candle Advent Meaning
The Prophecy Candle Advent symbolizes the hope of God’s people as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah. Also known as the “prophecy candle,” it assures us we can have hope that God will fulfill the prophecies declared in the Old Testament about Jesus.
Why Purple?
Purple is a liturgical color that symbolizes penance, preparation, and royalty. This dual symbolism perfectly captures Advent’s essence we prepare our hearts through reflection and repentance while celebrating that the coming King has royal authority and eternal reign.
For Mattese, whose military service taught her about authority and leadership, the purple Prophecy Candle Advent reminds believers that Jesus comes not as helpless infant alone but as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Hope Theme
This first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope a hope made tangible through the arrival of Jesus. But this hope isn’t wishful thinking or desperate optimism. It’s confident expectation rooted in God’s character and proven faithfulness.
Biblical Foundation for Prophecy Candle Advent
Jesus fulfilled more than 300 prophecies with His first coming prophecies that were written centuries before His birth. This remarkable fulfillment provides the foundation for Prophecy Candle Advent observance.
Key Scripture Readings
Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Romans 15:12-13 – “And again, Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.’ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
These passages form the theological heart of Prophecy Candle Advent, connecting Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment.
Mattese Lecque’s Perspective on Advent Hope
As someone who has navigated military deployments, personal loss, and life’s inevitable challenges, Mattese understands waiting with hope. Her message that you can overcome obstacles regardless of circumstances aligns perfectly with Prophecy Candle Advent themes.
Faith Through Waiting
Military service taught Mattese about waiting for orders, for deployments to end, for reunion with loved ones. This experience deepens her appreciation for how God’s people waited centuries for the Messiah’s arrival, maintaining faith despite delayed fulfillment.
The Prophecy Candle Advent reminds believers that God’s timing is perfect. Promises delayed aren’t promises denied. What prophets foretold eventually arrived exactly as predicted.
Active Hope, Not Passive Waiting
Through her active service at Saint Peter’s AME Church in North Charleston as Trustee Board Officer and her community leadership roles, Mattese demonstrates that hope fuels action. The Prophecy Candle Advent doesn’t encourage passive waiting but active preparation spiritual readiness, repentance, and joyful anticipation.
How to Observe Prophecy Candle Advent
Lighting the Candle
On the first Sunday of Advent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ arrival as a gift to all humanity, let’s stir up in our hearts and homes a sense of anticipation.
When: Sunday, November 30, 2025 (morning worship or evening family devotion)
How: Light the first purple candle on your Advent wreath while reading Isaiah 9:6-7 and Romans 15:12-13
Prayer: “Lord, as we light this Prophecy Candle Advent, we remember the faithful prophets who proclaimed Your coming. Fill us with hope as we await Your return. Amen.”
Daily Reflection
Throughout the first week (November 30 – December 6), spend time each day reflecting on Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment. Mattese’s emphasis on daily spiritual practices aligns with this Advent discipline.
Family Activities
Mattese’s work as Chairperson of the Burke Foundation for Student Enrichment and Mentoring reflects her commitment to teaching the next generation. Include children in Prophecy Candle Advent observance:
- Read prophecy stories from children’s Bibles
- Discuss how waiting for Christmas mirrors Israel’s wait for Messiah
- Create prophecy timeline showing when predictions were made and fulfilled
- Sing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” together
The Connection to Christmas Preparation
The Prophecy Candle Advent begins preparation that culminates Christmas Day. Without understanding Old Testament prophecies, Christmas loses much of its significance. Jesus wasn’t random occurrence but carefully orchestrated fulfillment of divine plan centuries in the making.
Mattese’s memoir “The Make-Over: Re-imagining & Recreating Myself” explores transformation exactly what Prophecy Candle Advent represents. God transformed despair into hope, waiting into arrival, prophecy into reality when Jesus was born.
Prophecy Candle Advent and Second Coming
While Prophecy Advent focuses on prophecies fulfilled at Christ’s first coming, it also directs attention toward His promised return. We live between two advents celebrating the first while anticipating the second.
For believers facing challenges, Prophecy Candle Advent provides assurance: the same God who faithfully fulfilled ancient prophecies will complete His promises about Christ’s return and eternal kingdom.
Practical Candle Advent Observance
At Church: Churches will light a new candle each week, leading up to Christmas, beginning with Prophecy Advent on November 30, 2025.
At Home: Create your own Advent wreath with four purple candles (and one pink for third week) plus center white Christ candle. Many families place their wreath on the dining table, lighting appropriate candles during evening meals.
In Community: Mattese’s work with Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission and her church involvement demonstrate that faith thrives in community. Consider hosting Prophecy Candle Advent gathering where friends share reflections on hope and God’s faithfulness.
Conclusion: Hope That Doesn’t Disappoint
As November 30, 2025 approaches and the Candle Advent tradition begins anew, remember that this purple candle represents more than beautiful liturgy. It symbolizes God’s unbreakable promises, prophets’ faithful proclamation, and hope that sustained believers through centuries of waiting.
Mattese Lecque’s life marked by military service, healthcare ministry, personal transformation, and community leadership demonstrates living hope daily. The Candle Advent isn’t just historical remembrance but present reality: God keeps His word, hope doesn’t disappoint, and promises made are promises fulfilled.
This Advent season, let the purple flame remind you that the same God who sent His Son as promised continues working in your life today. Whatever you’re waiting for, whatever hope you’re holding, the Prophecy Candle Advent assures you: God is faithful.
Light the Candle Advent. Remember God’s faithfulness. Wait with hope.
