Debrecen4U December 8, 2025

The flame of hope was lit on the city’s Advent wreath

On the second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025, the candle flame was lit at Kossuth Square. The Municipality of Debrecen was represented at the ceremony by Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa, alongside Richárd Asztalos, pastor and director of the Debrecen Lutheran Congregation, who shared his reflections.

The second Advent candle symbolizes hope. In his greeting, Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa emphasized the unifying power of hope, peace, and community. ‘Hope is not born where everything is bright, but where we sense a small light in the darkness,’ he stated, highlighting that the candle flame also reminds us of the fragility and value of peace. He added that “No matter how uncertain the world may sometimes be, there is always something we can move towards.”

In his speech, the deputy mayor also referred to the pain caused by war, affirming, “We believe and hope the time will come when children grow up not in fear but in safety.” He pointed out that Debrecen’s strength lies in its community. He stressed that the city’s successes are important because they are backed by its people—without them, progress would have no real value. According to him, the communal Advent candle‑lighting is not just a tradition but a message, as in Debrecen the denominations celebrate together, building bridges rather than walls toward one another. ‘This is the eternal message of Advent: love is not self‑evident, but attention,’ added Lajos Barcsa.

At the ceremony, Richárd Asztalos, director pastor of the Debrecen Lutheran Congregation, recalled the words of Jesus, “I am the light of the world.” In his speech, he highlighted that the candle’s flame is a symbol of Christ’s light, which provides both warmth and guidance. He drew attention to the fact that believers can also pass on this light. In his closing thoughts, he encouraged that Advent should not be only about outward appearances but about inner silence and encountering the Word: “The light can only continue to shine if it lives within us.”

After that, the second candle on the wreath was lit, and the flame of hope was kindled.

The festive program featured performances by Zsuzsa Lehőcz and Dániel Takács, actors of the Csokonai National Theater; singer Fruzsina Erdős‑Tóth; the Debrecen Folk Ensemble; Kuckó Művésztanya (Artists’ Nook); and the Bíró Band.

Source and photo credit:debrecen.hu